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Paquimé (Casas Grandes), Mexico
Author: Luis Serrano (public domain)
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, also known as Casas Grandes (meaning Big Houses) are pre-Columbian ruins in a fertile valley in the state of Chichuahua, Mexico. It is today celebrated as one of the World Heritage Sites of Mexico.
The significance of Paquimé lies in its location, which is at the crossroads of ancient trading routes through Central America. This was where traders from the Pueblo culture of southwestern United States and northern Mexico meet traders from the more advanced civilizations of Mesoamerica.
Ruins of Paquimé in Chihuahua state, Mexico
Author: HJPD (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)
The Paquimé culture is believed to have been established in AD 1100. It reached its peak in the 14th and 15th centuries, at which time, it functioned as a site for cultural exchanges. What transpired here influenced the adobe architecture of North America, where elements of Mesoamerica building techniques can be detected.
The excavation of Paquimé, which so far is on-going, has yielded numerous artifacts from pots and jars to beads and other artifacts. Archaeologists discovered that the dwellings at Paquimé were completely rebuilt in the 14th century, when the smaller dwellings were replaced by multi-level condominiums. And as swiftly as the buildings were erected, Paquimé was abruptly abandoned by the early 15th century. So when the Spanish arrived, they did not come in contact with the culture.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 22nd session of the World Heritage Committee in Kyoto, Japan, 30 November - 5 December, 1998.
World Heritage Site Inscription Details
Location: N30 22 32.988 W107 57 20.016 in the municipality of Casas Grandes, in the state of Chihuahua, in Mexico.Inscription Year: 1998
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: III, IV
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