In the El Cerrito region of Mexico, archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have discovered an ancient city that is probably the lost settlement of Apancalecan. This city, not mentioned in written chronicles after the arrival of the Spanish, had been forgotten for centuries. However, thanks to unique findings and the use of modern technology, scientists have been able to reconstruct the history of this ancient civilization.
Excavations in the area of El Cerrito led to the discovery of an ancient settlement occupying an area of 29 hectares. The ruins found, consisting of 26 mounds and various architectural structures, testify to the existence of the ancient city of Apancalecan. Among the artifacts found were altars, ceremonial platforms and residential quarters. In addition, ball fields have been found on the territory of the settlement, indicating the widespread use of this game among the peoples of Mesoamerica.
One of the most interesting features of this ancient city are the elongated structures, presumably used for water storage and associated with a system of dams. Scientists believe that these structures were an important part of the infrastructure of Apancalecan and played a significant role in the lives of its inhabitants.
The town of Apankalekan was located only 850 meters from the eastern bank of the Tekpan River and one kilometer from the Tetitlan Lagoon. This location was of strategic importance and facilitated trade and cultural exchange with other peoples. Pre-Hispanic ceramics found at the excavation site indicate that the settlement was inhabited from about 200 to 650 AD.
One of the keys to reconstructing the history of Apancalecan was an aerial survey that created a detailed map of the ancient city. This data helped scientists determine the location of the main altar with two surviving twin stelae, which was located at the top of the Cerro del Mono hill adjacent to the largest mound.
The study of the lost city of Apancalecan is of great importance to understanding the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica and their contribution to world history. The discoveries made by archaeologists give us a unique perspective on the life and culture of the peoples who occupied these lands many centuries ago.
