Xochitecatl
Xochitecatl has clear views across the surrounding valleys to the neighbouring volcanoes of Popocatepetl, Iztaccihuatl and La Malinche.
The site is the focal point of an area distinguished by its high agricultural productivity,[2][4] sometimes named "the Mesoamerican Mesopotamia", because of its fertile lands between the rivers Atoyac and Zayapan.
[5] Xochitecatl lies 1 km west of, and within sight of, the contemporary Classic Period site of Cacaxtla, distinguished by its famous painted murals in Maya style.
By the period spanning 350 BC to 100 AD, Xochitecatl had become the centre of a powerful chiefdom exercising control over a large portion of western Tlaxcala.
The Platform of the Volcanoes was built and the Pyramid of Flowers became the centre of ritual activity including the sacrifice of children.
[2][6] Upon the stairway giving access to the upper part of the building were deposited offerings that included more than 2000 clay figurines and 15 stone sculptures representing both humans and animals.
[6] Each year on 29 September the sun rises directly from the mouth of the La Malinche volcano, as seen from the summit of the Pyramid of Flowers.
This date coincides with the annual festival at nearby San Miguel el Milagro, just under 2 km away to the east.
Items found include cores, stone chippings, knives, projectile points and scrapers as well as bone tools and antlers.
[6] (Edificio de la Espiral in Spanish, designated as Building E3) This circular stepped pyramid lies on the western side of the ceremonial centre and was built around 700 BC, in the Preclassic Period.
[2][6] (Basamento de los Volcanes in Spanish, designated as Building E4) This structure lies in the middle of the central plaza and is oriented north–south.
[2][6] The earliest phase of construction, including the east and west stairways, is built from tepetate overlaid with mud.
[6] Xochitecatl is in the care of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (National Institute of Anthropology and History) and is open to the public.
