and the sunken patio. It has a series of passages or walled spaces on the eastern side and access stairways facing east and west. The eastern side is somewhat destroyed, its stairway leads to the remains of an almost destroyed structure. At the foot of the structure, as part of the blocks forming the structure, a petroglyph, depicting an inverted human figure can be seen. On the top of the temple, there were several covered and walled spaces used for unknown purposes. Other structures The balance of structures are irregularly shaped and are partly destroyed, hence it is difficult to assess their purpose or actual shape. There are apparent entrances, hall ways to private areas. These structures were built on terraces and all surrounded by a perimeter wall, with different levels. Mostly were built on the southern side, overlooking the lake. It is possible these were residential complexes, probably for high priests and governors of the city, heading ceremonies and events taking place at the complex. Other sites in Michoacán The Michoacán archaeological sites are mostly ancient Purepecha settlements, as the culture evolved in the entity and had political, administrative and religious headquarters in the region. Among the most important and visible sites are Tzintzuntzan and Ihuatzio in the region Lake Pátzcuaro; Huandacareo and Tres Cerritos in the Lake Cuitzeo region; as well as San Felipe Alzati in the Zitácuaro region. In addition, there are sites related to other prehispanic cultures, such as Tingambato or El Opeño archaeological sites area in the Jacona de Plancarte municipality, with important funerary remains hitherto considered the most ancient Mesoamerican tombs. More archaeological sites are being discovered, such as the city of La Piedad, in the Zaragoza area, where several remains have been found and are being explored. References Bibliography Fray Jerónimo de Alcalá Relación de Michoacán * Further reading Lacanna, Germán La Relación de Michoacán, Historia del pueblo tarasco (April 30, 2008) External links Huandacareo Archaeological Site Michoacan Government Official Page Historia. Michoacán Michoacán, The Soul of Mexico Municipalities of Michoacán site (Adobe Flash) Article about the Tarascan state by Julie Adkins Gorenstein, Shirley, 1993 Taríacuri's Legacy: The Prehispanic Tarascan State, The Civilization of the American Indian series, vol. 209. University of Oklahoma Press , pages xiii–xx Mesoamerican sites Archaeological sites in Mexico Archaeological sites in Michoacán Purépecha sites