Site - Cacaxtla

Epic - Late Classic A.D. 600 - 900 A.D.

Local - San Miguel de Milagro, Tlaxcala - Mexico

Culture - It is speculated that the inhabitants of Cacaxtla were of Olmeca-Xicalanca culture and established warrior merchants of northern and southern Mexico.

Subsistence -

Political Structure -

Quick Facts - Cacaxtla in nahuatl means merchants backpack, "the place of cacaxtli" .  It was first discovered in 1975 by treasure hunters "looters" from the nearby town of San Miguel de Milagro.  Ignore what the picture description from the National Museum of Anthropology states.  Like the majority of the sites in Mesoamerica, Cacaxtla was first stumbled upon by people who had no intent of preserving its history.  Prior to being abandoned, the noble leaders of Cacaxtla had the sites grounds, and murals covered with sand and soft dirt for preservation.  Probably in hopes of one day returning, what a gift for us.

Outlook - Protected by the state of Tlaxcala, accessible year round.  Parts still being excavated and restored.

Click on image to see pictures from the Cacaxtla Museum.

Cacaxtla Archeological Zone

12/24/2006

Map digitized from page 123, National Geographic September 1992

- Click on Cacaxtla Thumbnails -

Cacaxtla at The National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

09/29/2006

Digital stills by Santiago Andres Garcia / These pictures and all the material here may be downloaded and reproduced for educational purposes only.  No permission to borrow is necessary just remember to always site your sources.