Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico — The Pacific Coast (and Central Highlands)
Terraces and the Great Platform
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 2, 2022
1. Terraces and the Great Platform Marker
Los antiguos habitantes y constructores de Tzintzuntzan crearon superficies planas de manera escalonada en la pendiente del cerro; técnica conocida como sistema de terrazas. Estas fueron hechas con piedra laja perfectamente cortada y labrada para formar pequeños, pero largos escalones por los que la gente arribaba en las ceremonias y para entregar tributo.
La Gran Plataforma fue construida con un meticuloso sistema de relleno de rocas de gran tamaño y miles de delgadas lajas que sostienen y regulan la presión de la plataforma sobre las faldas del Cerro, actuando también como soporte contra los temblores.
Cuando la plataforma tuvo la dimensión y altura deseada por los constructores Tarascos, comenzaron la construcción de las Yácatas, y los dos edificios que pueden apreciarse, El Palacio y la bodega prehispánica (Trojes).
Tsi k'ulsipuecha iontki anapuecha anchikurhicha tsintsuntsanhanapuęcha ustis ma k'erhi kopekua takurhakata exeparhiparhini ma juata arti kopekua ukata jarasti tsakapuerhi ka uiramuerhi sesi kachukukata ka isi uanhi ioraticha uaxakakuechani enjka kuirhipu jauaka uaxakani erahharini nama ukuarijka ma kuinvhikua p´orhepecheri.
K´erhi kopekua nirasti ukuarhini uinirhakata tsakapurhi kerhati ka sapirhaticha enjka uinaperajka kopekuarhu uanantukurhini juatani karisi unhi p´inkuni enjka kencheaka.
Enjka kopekuarhu jasikakerhi echeri ka iotani isi uekasspti jsi anchikurhiticha p'urhepecha uenastisi unani unpakuti tsakapuericha tsimani teecha k´erhaticha enjka uanka erakuarhini, ma kerhi kumanchikuaka materhu kumanchikua ambe patsakua iontki anapu.
Terraces and the Great Platform
The ancient inhabitants and builders of Tzintzuntzan created flat surfaces in a staggered manner on the slope of the hill; a technique known as the terrace system. These were made with perfectly cut and carved slab stones to form short, but long steps by which people arrived at ceremonies and to deliver tribute.
The Great Platform was built with a meticulous system of filling using large rocks and thousands of thin slabs that support and regulate the pressure of the platform on the slopes of the hill, also acting as a support against earthquakes.
When the platform had the dimension and height desired by the Tarascan builders, they began the construction of the Yácatas, and the two buildings that can be seen, El Palacio and the pre-Hispanic storage area (trojes).
Erected by Instituto
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places.
Location. 19° 37.527′ N, 101° 34.371′ W. Marker is in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán. It can be reached from Avenida Las Yácatas, on the right when traveling east. The marker is on the grounds of the Tzintzuntzan Archeological Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tzintzuntzan MIC 58440, Mexico. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Western Mexico, in the Bajío, and on the Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, specifically in Mesoamerica, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, and in the Western Hemisphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, a Spanish colony, and the Aztec Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Substructure (within shouting distance of this marker); Tzintzuntzan Archeological Zone (within shouting distance of this marker); Las Yácatas (within shouting distance of this marker); Petroglyphs: Messages in the Rock (within shouting
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 2, 2022
2. Terraces and the Great Platform Marker
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 2, 2022
3. A yácata on the northern part of the Great Platform
Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2023, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 19, 2023, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
