Zempoala Archaeological Site

Also known as Cempoala, this important archaeological site on the Gulf Coast of Mexico was, at the time of the Conquest of Mexico, the Totonac capital and the largest city in that area. At its peak, it is calculated to have had a population of between 25,000 and 35,000 inhabitants.

The site is located at the meeting place of several rivers on the flat coastal plain of the gulf. Only a small part of the expanse of the ancient city has been excavated and restored, and so much of the site is composed of simple mounds near the present-day town of Zempoala.What has been excavated consists of platforms and walls that appear to have functioned as dikes to keep back the flooding waters of the nearby rivers. Other structures include the Great Pyramid with 3 tiers rising to yet another platform; the 13-tiered Great Temple, thought to be the settlement’s principle temple and ceremonial site, and several round ceremonial circles and low platforms in the main plaza.

Zempoala is located about 40 kilometers north of the Port of Veracruz along Highway 180. There is a small museum near the parking lot. Visiting hours are 9 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.

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Originally posted 2009-08-05 14:50:34.