Human migrations and volcanic activity: Archaeomagnetic evidence of the probable abandonment of the Tingambato archaeological site due to the eruption of El Metate volcano (Mexico)

Abstract

The archaeological site of Tingambato is one of the few evidences of the populations that settled in western Mexico during the Classic and Postclassic periods, before the development of the great Tarascan empire. Therefore, its study is fundamental to know both the characteristics of the culture that preceded the empire, as well as the phenomena that led to its formation. During the last decade, efforts have increased to reveal the history of this site. Thanks to the recent excavations, different archaeological materials belonging to the three construction phases of the place are available, which have served to define their main characteristics. In the present investigation, the magnetic characterization and dating of different archaeological materials belonging to the last occupational stage of Tingambato were carried out using archaeomagnetic methods. Some of these materials show evidence of exposure to fire after their elaboration. According to archaeological investigations, the ancient city of Tingambato was burned before being abandoned, so the ages obtained for four of the analyzed potsherds represent the first available dating for the abandonment of the site. Finally, these ages allow us to propose interpretations about the probable causes that led to its abandonment.