Archaeologists Unearth Giant 500-Year-Old Aztec Tower of Human Skulls Beneath Mexico
Archaeologists in Mexico City have made a remarkable discovery at the Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Aztec people in Tenochтιтlán, present-day Mexico City. According to the National Insтιтute of Anthropology and History (INAH), a tower containing 119 human skulls has been unearthed, shedding light on the ancient practices of the Aztec civilization.
The tower, referred to as a “trophy” tower, was constructed approximately 500 years ago and showcases the immense size and significance of the structure. The first part of the tower was uncovered in 2015, and since then, a total of 603 skulls have been recovered from the construction. These skulls are believed to be the remains of men, women, and children who were sacrificed during Aztec rituals.
The Cuauhxicalco section of the temple, where the skulls were found, suggests that they were placed there around the year A.D. 1500. This period marked the transition between the reigns of Aztec rulers Ahuízotl and Moctezuma Xocoyotzin. The Templo Mayor, standing at a height of 90 feet, served as a focal point for important Aztec ceremonies and festivities.
One particularly intriguing discovery among the skulls was the finding of an intact organism, a member of the species known as “Nidorellia armata” or chocolate-chip starfish. The preservation of this organism was attributed to the immense weight above it, which forced it below a layer of fiber, effectively protecting it from deterioration.
It is important to note that the Aztecs regarded the ceremonial sacrifice as a means of preserving the gods’ existence and preventing the destruction of the universe. While the tower may appear macabre to modern sensibilities, the INAH emphasizes that the Mesoamericans held a different belief system. They considered the Huey Tzompantli, as the tower is known, as a structure representing life rather than death.
The circular arrangement of the skulls in multiple levels is a significant aspect of the tower. Rows of skulls, mortared together and facing the center of the circle, contribute to the overall structure. This organization indicates careful planning and attention to detail in the construction of the tower.
During the 15th and early 16th centuries, the Aztecs established a vast empire that encompassed central and southern regions of present-day Mexico, with their capital city being Tenochтιтlan. At that time, a structure made entirely of human skulls would have symbolized power and prestige for the Aztecs.
The skull rack discovered at the temple is believed to have originated from a dedicated temple to Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec god associated with the sun, war, and human sacrifice. Tenochтιтlan was considered the patron city of Huitzilopochtli. These decapitated heads, mounted on poles and adorned with skulls, were referred to as tzompantli. Initially, the heads were likely placed on the racks in a “fresh” state, and as the bodies decomposed, cement was used to bind the skulls together, leaving only the skulls behind.
The excavation revealed that the skulls were situated approximately 11 feet (3.5 meters) below street level in a location known as Huey Tzompantli. Archaeologists faced significant challenges during the dig due to the presence of historically significant buildings above the excavation area. The surprise discovery of skulls belonging to women and children alongside those of young men and warriors has added another layer of complexity and intrigue to the findings.
The recent uncovering of this extraordinary tower at the Templo Mayor provides a unique glimpse into the rituals and practices of the Aztec civilization. It serves as
A reminder of the rich and diverse history of Mexico, shedding light on the beliefs and traditions of the past while sparking further exploration and understanding of this ancient culture.
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