Tzintzuntzan (“Place of the Hummingbirds”): As the government center of the Purhépecha Empire, Tzintzuntzan at its height received tribute from more than one hundred pueblos. Set on an artificial platform 425 meters (1,394 feet) long and about 250 meters (820 feet) wide, are five pyramid-like, rounded (“keyhole-shaped”) yákatas about 30 meters (98 feet) across and 15 meters (49 feet) high. The Spanish conquistadores tried to destroy the yákatas, so none today exhibit their original height. Wooden temples dedicated to various Purhépecha gods rested on top of the yákatas. Within these wooden temples sacrifices were conducted. Here was also maintained “el fuego perpetuo” (perpetual fire) believed by the Purhépecha to be essential for maintaining the sun god’s life-giving heat and light. The site also features excavations of the foundations of living quarters for priests and the royal family and a small museum of objects recovered during excavation.
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