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

300-900). Historical documentation of the Late Postclassic, Spanish Contact, Colonial
period occupations is also provided, and it incorporates ethnohistorical descriptions
assembled from Aztec tribute lists and Spanish chronicles. Information on local and
regional events is then presented for the periods of Mexican Independence, the Porfiriato,
and the Revolution. The subsequent section describes the development of the
contemporary ejido of El Marquesillo during the twentieth century. The final section of
the chapter is a detailed account of the incidents that led to the 2001 discovery of the
monumental Olmec throne. The 2002 rescue operation and ensuing 2003 investigation
are discussed along with a brief overview of the significance of Olmec thrones.
The Physical Geography of El Marquesillo
For 3,500 years the San Juan River has remained a constant, dependable resource
for natural and anthropogenic exploitation to meet the physical needs of the human
occupants of El Marquesillo. Its waters naturally drew terrestrial and aquatic wildlife,
provided the nourishment for vibrant and varied botanical growth, and afforded transport
and communication. The unique physical geography of the location has acted as a
protector and provider for all its living occupants. It is possible that to the precolumbian
inhabitants of El Marquesillo the river and its surrounding landscape were a unifying
factor, providing safety and security. To external Classic and Postclassic period cultures,
however, the lands and natural barriers that encircled El Marquesillo permitted the region
to remain distant and secluded. This assertion is based on the fact that stylistic and
political influences from Teotihuacán, Tula, El Tajín, and Tenochtitlán are seen at the
outer fringes of the area, but not within this region (Arnold 2003a; Daneels 1997; Diehl
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