Yacata Circular Pyramid Discovered in Mexico

Art Daily is reporting that a four meter tall Yacata style pyramid has been discovered in the municipality of Ario de Rosales in southern Mexico.

A Yacata is a name for pyramids with curving rather than flat walls. They are found throughout Mesoamerica and were built up until European contact.

This particular Yacata has a rectangular base that today stands at 20 by 14 meters. Archaeologist Roberto Gonzalez, of Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History, verified the find. It was likely used as a ceremonial center, possibly in use during the classic period (300-850 AD) when the city of Teotihuacan flourished.

The pyramid is a shadow of its former self.

Gonzalez told Art Daily that originally it was “25 meters long, 20 wide and 6 high.” Similar to those found near Patzcuaro Mexico.

It’s unknown who built it. Several indigenous groups lived in the area and could have constructed it, including Mazahua, Nahua and Otomi peoples. It’s also possible that the pyramid is just one element of an entire site.

Gonzalez said that more research will need to be done in the years ahead in order to answer these questions.

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Owen Jarus (follow me: e-mail or )

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Owen Jarus is a freelance writer based in Toronto ,Canada. He has written articles on archaeology for a variety of media outlets including The Canadian Press newswire (CP), U of T Magazine, The Mississauga News and The Guelph Mercury. Education: BA from the University of Toronto in History, Geography and Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations.