Teotenango

Teotenango, meaning "Place of the Divine Walls" in Nahuatl, is a fortified hilltop city atop Cerro Tetepetl in the southern Toluca Valley, about 40 miles southwest of Mexico City. Founded around 750 AD with Teotihuacan influences in its pottery and architecture, most visible ruins date to 900-1100 AD. In 1162 AD the Matlatzinca transformed it into a fortified citadel before the Aztecs conquered it in 1474 AD. Notable features include a 53-metre ball court, the Grupo de la Serpiente with its giant serpent head carving, and a jaguar depicted consuming a heart at the city entrance. Building alignments indicate the site was purpose-built for celestial observation and religious ritual.