Tres Cerritos
One of the archaeological settlements in the Cuitzeo basin that has been systematically excavated.
Discover
Tres Cerritos is one of the few archaeological settlements in the Cuitzeo basin that has been systematically excavated.
This site was opened to the public after more than a decade of research, led since 1984 by archaeologist Angelina Macias.
The findings made at this site have been key to understanding various historical and cultural stages at the regional level.
The site is notable for its discrete architecture, with low elevation platforms built with cores of earth and stone.
The walls lack decorative elements, although in some cases there are petroglyphs attached to them.
During explorations at Mound 3, walls simulating the talud-tablero style characteristic of Teotihuacán were identified, although this is an isolated example within the site.
¿Sabías Qué…?
It is probable that in the second half of the 16th century, it was used as a stone bench for the construction of the Convent of Santa María Magdalena.
Tombs and Cosmovision
One of the most relevant aspects of Tres Cerritos is its funerary architecture.
In Mounds 2 and 3, tombs were discovered whose distribution reflects a cosmogonic vision: a central vestibule surrounded by four chambers oriented towards the cardinal points.
The offerings found next to the burials suggest elaborate beliefs about death and the afterlife, underscoring the importance of this ceremonial center at its peak.
Two Stages of Occupancy
The settlement experienced at least two significant periods of occupation.
The first is associated with local developments in Cuitzeo, when Tres Cerritos served as a ceremonial center of relevance, although it was only one of several in the region.
During this phase, ceramic and architectural elements similar to those of Teotihuacan are observed.
Far from indicating subjugation, the adoption of these styles seems to have been a status symbol for the local elites.
The second stage corresponds to the arrival of groups linked to the Tarascan empire, who reused part of the site to bury their dead.
This use is evidenced by the presence of bodies found on the walls and in the rubble of the structures, suggesting that the site had already been abandoned for some time when the Tarascans arrived.
¿Sabías Qué…?
During pre-Hispanic times, the lake must have facilitated the movement of goods and people. Due to its geographic location in the center of Lake Cuitzeo, Tres Cerritos was a strategic point.
Explora otras experiencias de
