San Diego Ocoyoacac

What secrets do the ocote pines whisper at San Diego Ocoyoacac? Here on the western slopes of the Sierra de las Cruces, in a place called Tlalcozpan, lies San Diego Ocoyoacac. This isn’t the bustling Mexico City neighborhood you might know. This is a journey back to 450 AD, a time when immigrants from the mighty Teotihuacan settled amongst the Otomi farmers of the Valley of Toluca. San Diego Ocoyoacac thrived until 650 AD. Imagine life in the Classic period. The people of San Diego Ocoyoacac built simple rooms clustered together, a stark contrast to the grandeur of Teotihuacan. Yet, the influence of the metropolis is undeniable. Traces of Teotihuacan can be seen in ceremonial areas, crafted vessels, figurines, grinding stones, and other artifacts unearthed at San Diego Ocoyoacac. The valley provided everything they needed. Fertile lands yielded corn, squash, and beans. The forests provided wood for building and fuel, as well as game and fruits. The lakes offered abundant resources. This bounty likely traveled along ancient routes to Teotihuacan, supporting its massive population in exchange for precious green obsidian, slate, and pottery. San Diego Ocoyoacac also adopted customs from Teotihuacan, like the Mesoamerican ballgame, burial rituals, and the worship of Quetzalcoatl and Tlaloc. Excavations at San Diego Ocoyoacac have revealed human burials accompanied by vessels, often placed in cavities within the floors of rooms and sealed with a coating. The story of San Diego Ocoyoacac is a whisper of the past, a testament to the enduring influence of Teotihuacan on the Valley of Toluca.