Ruins reveal traces of an advanced pre-Hispanic civilization and surprise archaeologists
Archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) discovered, in southern Mexico, a pre-Hispanic city that remained for more than 1,200 years.
The archaeological site, located in the community of El Carmen, in the municipality of Xochistlahuaca, state of Guerrero, belongs to the Epiclassic period (650 to 950 AD) and was revealed in a statement released on October 15.
Named Paso Temprano, or Corral de Piedra, the place stands out for its excellent state of conservation.
Spread over more than 1.2 km in length, the site features palatial areas, defensive walls, residences, corridors and even a ball court, typical of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.
“It’s as if centuries hadn’t passed. It’s possible to clearly see what the houses, corridors and the distribution of spaces were like,” said archaeologist Miguel Pérez Negrete, from INAH, who led the excavations alongside Cuauhtémoc Reyes Álvarez.
Traces of a complex society
(Photo: Reproduction)
The architectural complex indicates that Paso Temprano was home to an organized and stratified society.
The construction technique, known as “Mixtec paramento”, used vertical blocks interspersed with smaller slabs — the same system observed in the Tehuacalco Archaeological Zone, another important site in the region.
“The climb is difficult due to the height of the hills, but, as we advance, we identify well-defined sectors. There are isolated units at the base and, higher up, two housing areas known as Pueblo Viejo, where traces of rooms and corridors are still preserved”, explained Negrete.
The site also has an extensive defensive sector, surrounded by a stone wall and narrow passages between gorges, which served as control and protection points.
At the top, an “L” shaped ball court was identified, 49 meters long and 8 meters wide, as well as ceremonial structures and a possible stone altar.
Mystery about its builders
Although locals have known about the ruins for generations — calling them “Ciudad Antigua” — the identity of who built Paso Temprano is still a mystery.
Research indicates that, in the final periods of the pre-Hispanic era, the Amuzgo and Mixtec people occupied the region, but there is no confirmation that they were the founders.
“More studies will be needed to identify who lived in Paso Temprano and who they protected themselves against. The strategic location in the hills and the presence of walls show that the city had a clear defensive purpose”, highlighted the archaeologist.
Archaeological importance
INAH claims that the Paso Temprano excavations could redefine the understanding of human occupation on Guerrero’s Costa Chica, paving the way for the recognition of a new local archaeological culture.
“In the coming years, the study of this site may reveal a civilization that flourished between the Epiclassic and Early Postclassic,” concluded Negrete.
The discovery reinforces the archaeological potential of Mexico, a country that is home to some of the oldest and most complex civilizations in the Americas — and shows that, even after more than a millennium, the land still holds impressive secrets from the past.
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