Cerro del Judío facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cerro del Judío |
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 Cerro del Judío
Location in Mexico
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,750 m (9,020 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Mexico City, Mexico |
Cerro del Judío is a mountain located in the Magdalena Contreras area of Mexico City. It's also known as Cerro de las Tres Cruces (Mountain of the Three Crosses) or "Mazatepetl," which means "Mountain of the Deer" in an old language.
This mountain is very special because it holds ancient secrets at its top.
Contents
Ancient History on the Mountain
At the very top of Cerro del Judío, which is 2,750 meters (about 9,022 feet) above sea level, there's an old Otomí settlement. This is an archaeological site where people lived a long time ago.
The Ancient Pyramid
One of the most amazing things found here is a pyramid that dates back to the year 1200 AD. This pyramid has a special staircase. On the staircase, you can see a stone carving of a turtle with jaguar claws! It's a unique piece of ancient art.
Ceremonial Center and Discoveries
Near the pyramid, there's a ceremonial center with other ancient objects. These pieces were made between 1200 and 1380 AD. The INAH, which is Mexico's national institute for anthropology and history, started working to protect and study this area in the year 2000. An archaeologist named Francisco Rivas led this important work.
The area was later named Lomas de Padierna National Park. Experts like Rivas believe that the people who built these structures were likely the tepanecs. The Tepanecs were a group that lived in this region during the time of the Triple Alliance. This alliance was a powerful group of cities formed by Tlacopan, Texcoco, and Azcapotzalco.
What's in a Name?
The mountain is called "Cerro del Judío," but there are different stories about how it got this name. However, its oldest known name is "Mazatepetl," which means "Mountain of the Deer." This name connects the mountain to the animals that might have lived there long ago.
Traditions and Protection
Every year during Holy Week, which is an important Christian holiday, people from nearby communities gather on the mountain. They celebrate Christian traditions because three crosses have been placed at the very top of the mountain. They remember the sacrifice of Christ and honor Saint Barnabas, who is the patron saint of the local people. The area connected to these traditions covers about 383.49 hectares (about 947 acres).
Cerro de Mazatepetl is also very important for nature. It is considered a protected Natural Area. This agreement was made between the Magdalena Contreras local government and the Natural Resources Commission to keep the mountain and its environment safe.
See also
- In Spanish: Cerro del Judío para niños
