The Archaeology of Early Formative Chalcatzingo, Morelos, México, 1995

Introduction

Monumental architecture, consisting of earthen platform mounds sometimes faced with stone, began appearing in Mesoamerica around 1300 B.C. during the Early Formative Period (1500-900 B.C.). Monumental architecture has been identified at several sites, but rarely in Central México, a region which later saw the first development of urbanism and the largest pyramids in México. This research project reports on the earliest monumental constructions at the site of Chalcatzingo, Morelos. The site of Chalcatzingo, located 120 kilometers southeast of México City in the state of Morelos, is situated at the base of two large hills on the only good expanse of agricultural land for many miles (Figure 1). Chalcatzingo provides a unique opportunity to investigate the form and function of monumental architecture since it is the only known Central Mexican site with evidence of monumentality in the Early Formative Period (Grove, 1984; 1987; Grove et al., 1976).

Previous research at the site of Chalcatzingo was carried out from 1972-1976 (Grove, 1984; 1987; Grove et al., 1976). Emphasis was placed on uncovering the Middle Formative Period (900-500 B.C.). Numerous platform mounds, houses, burials, carved stone monuments, ceramics, and figurines were discovered by this project. Investigations of Chalcatzingo’s settlement pattern, environment, agricultural practices, trading patterns, and social organization were also conducted. Additionally, clues to the preceding Early Formative Period (1500-900 B.C.) were also uncovered. Two Early Formative platform mounds were discovered in test trenches, but not excavated due to a lack of time.

The research objectives of the 1995 project were to uncover one of these Early Formative platform mounds at Chalcatzingo along with its associated structures, artifacts, and features. The excavations provided data on the Early Formative occupation of Chalcatzingo, and yielded information on the nature and role of monumental architecture at the site: Did the platform mounds serve as substructures for chiefly residences or public buildings? What are the types of activities associated with these platform mounds? How did these platform mounds change over time? The data yielded by the excavation of the platform mound was also used to examine theories of the rise of sociopolitical complexity at Chalcatzingo.

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