Cantona, Archaeological site in Puebla, Mexico.
Cantona is an archaeological site in Puebla, Mexico, extending across twelve square kilometers and encompassing residential zones, agricultural fields, quarries, and neighboring settlements. The site is connected by a sophisticated network of 4,000 streets that link its different functional areas together.
Between 600 and 900 CE, this fortified settlement developed into a major control point for trade routes between the Gulf Coast and the central highlands. More than 90,000 people lived here during its peak period.
Cantona's inhabitants established more than 300 workshops dedicated to crafting objects from obsidian, demonstrating their developed skills in stone tooling and construction. This specialization in volcanic glass shaped daily life and the economy of the entire settlement.
The archaeological zone opens daily from 9:00 to 17:00 and includes a site museum displaying animal remains, musical instruments, and everyday objects. Walking through the extensive ruins requires sturdy footwear and sun protection.
The architecture uses no mortar or stucco whatsoever, relying instead on the natural colors and textures of stone for decorative effects. This building technique gives the structures a characteristic appearance rarely found elsewhere in Mesoamerica.
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