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Tzintzuntzan.    ***

A site of importance in the state of Michoacan, noted for its distinctively shaped yácata buildings arranged on a single but monumental platform. It can be easily reached from Morelia or the town of Pátzcuaro, and lies on the slope of a hill with a commanding view of the valley containing Lake Pátzcuaro.

History.

Culture: Tarascan

Although occupied from the beginning of the Early Post-Classic period, the importance of Tzintzuntzan began in 1325, when the Tarascan ruler Tariácuri consolidated the dominance of the empire over the region around Lake Pátzcuaro. The three cities Patzcuáro, Ihautzio and Tzintzuntzan all took their turn as the capital of the empire, with the latter being established as such from 1450 until the eventual conquest by the Spaniards.

The Tarascans were a strong military power whose challenge to the Aztecs for control over central Mexico, after a great victory in 1478, persisted until the arrival of the Spanish.

For more about other Tarascan sites and history, see Cultural History.

Tour.    [photos to follow]

After passing through the museum, we come into the centre of the Grand Platform upon which the buildings of this site are to be found. Moving forward to the right, we see Building B or the Palace. (P)

This has been thought to have been one of the most important structures at Tzintzuntzan. It now consists of the foundations of several rooms around a patio. Human bones were found buried here, and one idea is that this was where the bodies of enemies were kept.

Continuing along this side of the platform, we pass to the left, the fifth of the five yácatas that make this site famous.(P)

They are flat structures with rectangular and semi-circular sections to them. They were either designed to support wooden temples housing god idols, or as tombs of important rulers, although this last idea has not been substantiated with evidence. Only number one and five of the yácatas have been restored well; the others lie in varying degrees of rubble.

Building C and its neighbour A, are thought to have been altars.(P)

We can also view the edge of the Great Platform at this point. It is 400m long by 180m wide, and a great feat of Tarascan construction.(P)

After walking around the five yácatas, we return across the centre of the Great Platform towards Building E, another small complex of rooms. It has been conjectured that this was a store-house for food.(P)