During my time with my host family in Mexico (spring 2022) I was invited for an excursion. However, I did not know where we would go. With the car we were about three quarters of an hour on the road.
It was obviously mega hot. 🥵 And first we walked a small path, without shadows, of course, to a museum. There we talked about the archaeological site and the Murals of Cacaxtla They informed and marveled at the exhibits. I think the entrance fee was 5 euros for the complete facility including the museum.
After approx. 20 minutes we went on, of course again in the blazing sun 🌞And finally came to the ruins. Fortunately, she was reconsidered! We had over 35 degrees and at lunchtime it is really dangerous to be outside long without a head covering.
I really liked the trip and especially I found the Murals of Cacaxtla The most beautiful and impressed. Sometimes I was a little queasy, however, because we were told that there were certainly human sacrifices here at this site. That there were also human sacrifices at such sites in the past is part of the story and should be aware when visiting pyramids or similar places in Mexico.
The trip to Cacaxtla was an experience that brought me many new impressions. With this article I would also like to give you a little insight from Cacaxtla and the murals.
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Table of contents
History of Cacaxtla
Cacaxtlae (pronounced Ka-cosh-la) was a powerful PoliticalMilitary and economic Centre. In the past, this city was formed by the Olmeca xicallanca He was established, but only after that. Decline from Teotihuacane Cholula is a supremacy.
After the decline of the latter two cities took over Cacaxtlae Political control over today's territory of Puebla-Tlaxcala. Cacaxtla experienced between 650 and 900 AD, during the Late Classical period, a flowering period in which it Trade relations for: Gulf Coast and to the Valley of Mexico. About 10,000 people lived in this center between 650 and 900 n. CH
Through his Strategic favourable Location on the trade routes leading to the territories of today's federal states Tabasco and led Campeche, gained it great Wealth. Around the year 1000, the city was abandoned for unknown reasons.
Who painted the wall paintings of Cacaxtla?
What makes this place so special are the amazingly good obtained Wall paintingswith red, blue, yellow, black and white Pigments made from kaolin, obsidian, lime and other local minerals and are truly unique.
But the real highlight is the huge Wall paintingswhich give us a unique insight into their past. The wall paintings show influences both from the Mayan– as well as from the Teotihuacan-Region (which is why it was not entirely excluded that the site was actually used by the Maya) and show Motives From Mythologyreligion, war, defeat and peace; There are also very realistic Natural representations with symbolic features that have not yet been fully decoded.
From Puebla you can wonderfully take a day trip to Tlaxcala. You can either marvel at the ruins on your own or book a private tour with a professional and expert guide who can tell you the history, background and secrets of Cacaxtla in detail. Via this link you can book a private tour.
The Mayan Blue
Blue was the color of Offerings with the Maya. wallpapers, perfume resin and Articles were painted with Mayan blue, a special, extremely resistant Pigments. Chemists have now found that a Mixture From Palygorskite and Indigo The bright blue color is produced. They also found that the Maya Copal resinmineral and Indigo leaves burned to make the pigment.
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The production was probably part of a Ceremony and symbolized the Healing Force of the rain for the agricultural Company of the Maya. These healing substances were used as Offerings offered, among other things, for the Growth Ask for rain from the harvest.
San Miguel del Milagro and the Alegria
The small Pilgrimage site San Miguel del Milagro is for a Sweets especially well known – the Alegria. These handmade delicacies consist mainly of Amaranth. San Miguel del Milagro has been Hundreds of years known for growing amaranth and has a close relationship with this unique plant.
The Alegrias made in this community are still made by hand. The Amaranth is Directly grown on site and No chemical additives used and the amaranth Free from weeds is. The Alegrias are in different variations, of which varieties with Cocoa and Chocolate chips And those are my favorites too!
Frequently asked questions about the wall paintings of Cacaxtla
What is the story of Cacaxtla?
Cacaxtla was the capital of a region inhabited by the people of Olmeca-Xicalanca. The origin of the Olmeca-Xicalanca is not known with certainty, but it is believed that they came from the Gulf Coast region and were possibly Mayan settlers who came to this part of central Mexico around 400 AD.
How well preserved are the wall paintings of Cacaxtla?
The wall paintings of Cacaxtla are relatively well preserved and can still be visited in situ with many original colors and motifs, because they remained undiscovered and protected for a long time.
Is Tlaxcala Aztec or Mayan?
Tlaxcala was neither Mayan nor Aztec, but was inhabited by the Tlaxcaltecs. These belonged to the same Nahuatl cultural family as the Aztecs, but were their bitter opponents and politically independent.
In which country is Tlaxcala located?
Tlaxcala is a state in central Mexico, the smallest state in the country, but very densely populated. The capital is the city of Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl.
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