Talimeco

Talimeco was a town and ceremonial centre of Cofitachequi in the Wateree River country. A temple stood on a great earthen mound, and the ruler's house was covered with finely worked mats. The temple held weapons and the remains of honoured dead, recalling the authority of the chiefly families whose influence extended over neighbouring settlements.

In 1540 Hernando de Soto's expedition entered Cofitachequi in search of riches. Spanish accounts describe a visit to Talimeco and its temple after the soldiers had taken freshwater pearls from another shrine in the chiefdom. The Lady of Cofitachequi was compelled to accompany the expedition when it departed, but she later escaped with her attendants. The soldiers carried away pearls, while the gold they sought remained elusive.