Brief History of Cara Sucia El Salvador

Hello, everyone. We hope everyone is well. Elizabeth and I have been sick with the flu, and it is tough to get rid of it. We are better now.

We have not traveled much this year but hope to visit some of the country soon.

I have been researching the history of Cara Sucia and found it very interesting, so I am writing a post about it. This is a brief history of Cara Sucia.

Cara Sucia is a significant archaeological site located on the Pacific coastal plain of western El Salvador. Here’s a brief overview of its history:

Early Settlement

  • Middle Preclassic Period (900 BC—400 BC): Cara Sucia was first settled around 900 BC and was closely affiliated with other early Maya sites in western El Salvador.

Abandonment and Resettlement

  • 540 AD: The eruption of Ilopango led to the site’s abandonment.
  • 600 AD: A few decades later, the site was resettled, marking a complete break from its Maya past and identifying it as a Cotzumalhuapa settlement.

Cotzumalhuapa Influence

  • Late Classic Period (600 AD—900 AD): During this period, the site’s main structures were built, including an acropolis, two enclosed ballcourts, and a 14-meter-high pyramid. The site’s material culture included pottery, mold-made figurines, and evidence of textile manufacture.

Postclassic Period

  • 900 AD—1500 AD: Cara Sucia prospered during the Postclassic period, likely due to its involvement in trading cacao and obsidian. The site featured a U-shaped ball court, Balsam Coast-style sculpture, and ceramics.

Modern Times

  • Present Day: Cara Sucia remains an important archaeological site, offering valuable insights into the region’s history and culture. Today, It is a growing small town with many farms in the surrounding villages. It is a site of national pride and continues to attract researchers and tourists alike.

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