IZAPA, MEXICO
Ancient Temple Center--ca. 500 BC to 200 AD.
Google Earth: Region of Mesoamerica: Izapa at 14.8 degrees north latitude where the sun zenith passages on August 13 and April 30 measure the sacred Maya 260-day calendar count.
The Izapa Temple Center (above) needs to be cleared and restored to reveal its original pyramid-mounds constructed on four sides of plazas where stone monuments (carved in hieroglyphic writing) define astronomy, calendar, 4 cardinal directions, ceremonial ritual, and much more.
The model above, created by Archaeologist Garth Norman, shows what the Izapa Temple Center can look like when fully restored.
The small building above (on top of Mound 23) is being remodeled as a Visitor Center (first Project) where displays by Archaeologist Garth Norman will teach natives and visitors about the ancient Izapa Temple Center site. On August 13, 2016, over 50 people attended a preview of displays by Archaeologist Garth Norman for the Visitor Center.
The first wall display in the Visitor Center states: "The Babylonian and Egyptian cubits were used to create the antiquities of Izapa and Mesoamerica." Attached are wooden replicas of the Babylonian and Egyptian cubit rods.
