Imagine standing where an ancient town once thrived. This is the Zona Arqueológica de Los Reyes. It is a major pyramid site. It lies on Mexico City’s far eastern edge.
Once called Azaquilpan or Axaquilpan, its name meant “on the grass of the sand.” Today, Los Reyes Acaquilpan still carries echoes of that ancient name.
Archaeologists have uncovered much about this site. They analyzed ceramics. This helped determine the site’s chronology.
The Zona Arqueológica de Los Reyes has a pyramid. It has three staggered bodies. These were built in stages. Construction occurred between 1100-1200 C.E. and again before 1521.
Interestingly, the site was nearly abandoned. This happened with the Spanish invasion. Yet, its history remained.
The pyramid at Los Reyes is unique. It faces west. Most pyramids do not. This orientation links it to Huitzilopochtli. He was the deity of the sun and war.
Around the 13th century, nomadic groups arrived. They spoke Nahuatl. Los Reyes transformed. It adapted to these new groups. Eventually, Los Reyes paid tribute to Texcoco and Chimalhuacán. Its people extracted basalt stone. They also likely fished.
The Zona Arqueológica de Los Reyes saw different cultures rise. It survived the Spanish arrival. Today, it offers a tranquil glimpse into the past. It was once part of a vibrant network. These settlements traded. They competed for control of the Valley of Mexico.
Visiting the Zona Arqueológica de Los Reyes is free. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A short walk from Metro Los Reyes transports you. You go back to pre-Hispanic times. The Zona Arqueológica de Los Reyes is a testament to the enduring legacy. It is a legacy of Mesoamerican civilization.