El Tajin was active between 900 AD and 1200 AD.
Cultures that have been suggested as culturally related to El Tajin are:
Notice that the Maya are NOT included in the list of related cultures! This is a question I often get. It was a long walk from the Yucatan. There was, however, contact with the Maya not far away in Cacaxtla (state of Tlaxcala) but aside from the murals there doesn't seem to have been any lasting effect there.
Some authorities seem to think that Teotihuacan influenced El Tajin, however I dont see any influence other than in the talud-tablero architectural style.
Yohualichan is a site in Puebla (it may not be open to the public). All of the photographs that I have seen of Yohualichan show structures that are similar to the pyramid of the niches -- both in having rows and rows of niches, and having the cornice.
CholulaThe pyramid area at Cholula (state of Puebla) has one section which is similar to some parts of Tajin (not niches). I think it is referred to as "Totonac" influence at Cholula. The Totonac people were one of the groups which lived in the Tajin area. The first time I was at El Tajin, I also went to Cholula. I have one photograph which I have never been able to decide which site it is from.
TIME LINE
El Tajin is located in the northern part of the modern state of Veracruz.
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