Archaeological Monuments Zone
of Xochicalco
Mexico
Xochicalco is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a fortified political, religious and commercial centre from the troubled period of 650–900 that followed the break-up of the great Mesoamerican states such as Teotihuacan, Monte Albán, Palenque and Tikal.
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The name "Xochicalco" means "Place of
Flowers".
Xochicalco was founded about 650 AD by the Olmeca-Xicallanca, a Mayan group of traders from Campeche, affording them an excellent position along some of the major trade routes. It thus constituted an important fortressed commercial and religious center in the era following the decline of the great Meso-American states.
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In its justification for inscription the UNESCO states that Xochicalco is an exceptionally well preserved and complete example of a fortified settlement from the Epiclassic Period of Mesoamerica. The architecture and art of Xochicalco represent the fusion of cultural elements from different parts of Mesoamerica, at a period when the breakdown of earlier political structures resulted in intensive cultural regroup-ing.
Sources and links:
Other World Heritage sites in Mexico (on this website). Inactive links are not described on stamps. Please refer to the UNESCO-listing, Mexico-section, for further information about the individual properties.
Revised 08 aug 2006 |
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