Description
This city was a dependency of Tula, attaining an important role through trade and religion. When Tula fell around 1000 AD, Coatetelco took its place in the west of the present-day state of Morelos.
Historical overview
Coatetelco was built on the shore of the lake of the same name. The site flourished most notably in the Late Preclassic, and was later linked to Xochicalco. After its period of domination by Xochicalco, Coatetelco became the region’s principal center. In the Postclassic it was involved with Tula, which is evident from the presence of a Chac Mool.
The complex includes pyramidal plinths, platforms and a ballcourt with stone facing over an earth and stone core. Associated with the ballcourt there is a tzompantli with a large quantity of stone “nails” which were used to pierce the skulls of the people who were sacrificed. There are vestiges of stucco in the court as well as in other parts of the site.
