An Unexplored Realm in the Heartland of the Southern Gulf ... - Famsi

Formative period people (see Figure 6.3). There is evidence that Late Classic inhabitants
of other Southern Gulf Lowland sites relocated Formative period monumental sculptures
from their original positions of deposition and moved them to Villa Alta phase
architectural complexes. This activity has been illustrated at San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán
(Coe and Diehl 1980a:293), Laguna de los Cerros (Bove 1978:9), and probably at Las
Limas (Rueda 1996). Also supporting this hypothesis is the fact that the southeasterly
extension of the offering and Structure 111 axis intersects the longitudinal medial axis of
the courtyard in the primary Villa Alta phase long mound complex (see Site Planning and
Concepts of Directionality section below).
The Basal Platform
The Olmec Throne Complex is composed of multiple architectural and natural
features that are situated atop a massive earthen platform. The extant portions of this
monumental construction measure approximately 500 m by 250 m, and its elevation
above the surrounding landscape ranges from 1 to 8 m. It is probable that this
foundational platform was formed through the modification of a natural rise, based on
observation of the surrounding topography. The extended depression along the north side
of the structure appears to be a borrow pit, the fill from which was used to level and
shape the rectangular platform.
Constructed atop the platform are a series of earthen buildings of various sizes
and shapes. The placement of these buildings created a series of enclosed spaces, two of
which are major plaza or courtyard areas. It is possible that the complex of structures that
are visible today was built or modified over a series of construction episodes.
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