The pyramids and temples of Angamuco (Michoacán, Mexico): decoding meaning through spatial analysis of form, scale, and directional orientation
Date
2019
Authors
Friedl, Alexandra, author
Fisher, Christopher, advisor
Leisz, Stephen, committee member
Lefsky, Michael, committee member
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Abstract
The ancient Purépecha site of Angamuco (Michoacán, Mexico) in the Lake Pátzcuaro basin represents a significant example of Mesoamerican urbanism that is not explained by current cultural-historical narratives for the region. Occupied primarily in the Middle and Postclassic periods, this site features many monumental architectural constructions, including pyramids and temples that vary in form, size, and configuration. Based on known examples of these structures documented through the course of LORE-LPB ground survey, and other examples from Mesoamerica, identification of pyramids and temples across the entire site was possible using digital models derived from Lidar data. Through the collection of basic spatial data including scale expressed as volume, axial dimensions, and axial orientation, comparison of these structures is possible on both intra-site and regional levels. These spatial data suggest that there are different urban planning principles at work at Angamuco when it comes to monumental architecture. While some of these buildings seem to conform to broader Mesoamerican urban planning tradition, this does not explain the orientation of most of the pyramids and temples at Angamuco. Investigation of these features has provided additional evidence for the standardization of the built form at the site and allowed for preliminary insights on sociocultural evolutionary processes. Future research at Angamuco on the specific orientational groups proposed here will further elucidate urban planning principles for monumental architecture at the site and may even clarify possible connections to the cosmos reflected in the built environment.
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Subject
spatial analysis
Purépecha
temples
pyramids
directional orientation
Tarascan