Zazacatla

Zazacatla is a pre-Columbian archaeological site of Mesoamerica's central Mexican plateau region, in Xochitepec, dating to the mid-Formative period of Mesoamerican chronology.

Initial investigations by archaeologists from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) reported finding evidence of Olmec cultural influences at the site, the first such known for the western Morelos region.

[3] Zazacatla's occupation is dated to between 800 and 500 BCE, making it roughly contemporary with the Olmec center of La Venta, 400 km (250 mi) to the east.

These sculptures, as well as Olmec-style architecture, have led to speculation on the role that Olmec culture played in Zazacatla.

Archaeologist Giselle Canto told Associated Press that the inhabitants adopted Olmec styles when they changed from a simpler egalitarian society to a more complex hierarchical one: When their society became stratified, the new rulers needed emblems ... to justify their rule over people who used to be their equals.