El Arbolillo

archaeological site, Mexico

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June 17, 2026

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El Arbolillo is an archaeological site in the Valley of Mexico that provides evidence of early permanent settlements based on farming, dating back to around 2000 BCE. This period, known as the Formative period, saw the development of intensive agriculture and the establishment of villages, with El Arbolillo being one of the key sites alongside Zacatenco, Tlatilco, and Ticoman. These settlements were crucial in the transition from simple agricultural villages to more complex societies in Mesoamerica. The site contributes to our understanding of the early development of settled life and agricultural practices in the region.12

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Middle American Indian
The prehistoric period
…central valley of Mexico at El Arbolillo, Zacatenco, Tlatilco, and, finally, Ticoman. The same developmental sequence occurred in the Formative period of highland Guatemala, as shown in the excavations at Kaminaljuyú near Guatemala City.
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…central valley of Mexico at El Arbolillo, Zacatenco, Tlatilco, and, finally, Ticoman. The same developmental sequence occurred in the Formative period of highland Guatemala, as shown in the excavations at Kaminaljuyú near Guatemala City.
Read More