Temamatla

Clutching your obsidian raspador, imagine trading for vibrant coastal treasures in ancient Temamatla. Temamatla, a Nahuatl name meaning “Stone Stairway” or “Place of abundant stones,” whispers tales of a civilization that thrived from 1300 BC to 200 BC. These early inhabitants, skilled hunters and gatherers, cultivated a rudimentary form of agriculture. They exchanged their harvests, along with tools like metates and molcajetes, for goods brought from the coast. Evidence of their existence lies buried beneath our feet, whispering through fragments of pottery, obsidian tools, and even human remains. Temamatla grew to a bustling village, perhaps housing between 800 and 2500 people. Yet, its resources eventually dwindled, leading to its decline and abandonment, possibly influenced by nearby Cuicuilco, Teotihuacan, or even the eruption of Xitle volcano. Centuries passed, and Temamatla witnessed the arrival of various Nahua groups – the Acxotecas, Mihuaques, and others. These groups, settling on the eastern slopes of Mount Tenayo, became the ancestors of the Temamatlenses. They brought a rich culture, expressed through dance, music, astronomy, and exquisite ceramics depicting their deities. In 1535, under King Carlos V’s decree, Temamatla entered a new era. Alonso de Alvarado and Isabel de Moctezuma oversaw the distribution of churches, marking the arrival of Spanish influence. The Franciscan ex-convent, built in 1603, stands as a testament to this period. Temamatla continued to evolve. By 1880, it boasted a population of 1787, with a vibrant agricultural trade. The arrival of the Interoceanic Railway in 1881 further solidified its position as a commercial hub. Yet, tragedy struck in 1895 when a train derailed near Temamatla, leaving a scene of devastation and sorrow. The 20th century brought the turbulent era of Porfirio Diaz, with its stark inequalities and exploitation of farmworkers. Temamatla became a stage for the Zapatista struggle for land and justice. Today, Temamatla retains its unique charm, blending its ancient origins with colonial and modern influences. The Parroquia de San Juan Bautista, with its neoclassical grandeur and the embedded pre-Hispanic astronomical stone, serves as a powerful symbol of this rich and layered history.