with other settlements. Cantona I (600 B.C.E. - 50 C.E.) Fueled by mining local obsidian, Cantona entered a phase of rapid urban development with the city reaching a size of approximately 822 acres. The city began developing defensive systems and more complex internal traffic circulation, and raised platforms constructed of pieces of volcanic rock supporting thatched houses. Silos were built to store grain; these silos were strategically located to ensure control by the city elite. In addition to family workshops, areas were specially designated for specialized, state-controlled workshops. Ceremonial centers began to develop as rectangular plazas with pyramids. By the end of this phase, the city had built sixteen ballcourts, six of which were aligned with ceremonial plazas, altars, and pyramids. This phase also shows evidence of large-scale commercial trade with southern and southeastern Mexico. Cantona II (50 C.E. - 600 C.E.) This period saw a flurry of construction activity correlated with increased social complexity. This is considered to have been the first major cultural peak in Cantona's history. Cantona now covered 2,718 acres and by 150 - 200 C.E. contained twenty ballcourts, half of which were aligned with ceremonial centers. By 400 C.E., the city had a population of 64,000. Cantona III (600 C.E. - 900/950 C.E.) This was a period of significant change in governmental leadership, as the priest class was supplanted by military authority. While religious rituals did not disappear, the city ceased producing ceramic effigies of gods and stone sculpture. Cantona IV (900/950 C.E. - 1000/1050 C.E.) This final period is primarily characterized by a rapid depopulation of the city. Cantona's population was reduced to no more than three to five thousand individuals, before disappearing completely. About the name There are many studies and investigations, by multiple entities, it has been established that the ancient city was developed the Olmec or Chichimec culture, but the only safe conclusion reached so far is that a lot of investigation remains, because only 1 percent of the total of this archaeological area was investigated and the remaining 99 per cent is still under the grass, trees, soil and rocks. The discrepancy about the origins of this place starts with the name, because while officially known as Cantona, for San Pedro Tepeyahualco native inhabitants the real name is Caltona. Notes References Garcia Cook, Angel, and Beatriz Leonor Merino Carrión (1998) Cantona: Prehispanic City in the Mexico central highlands. Latin American