Photo By INAH
Posted on 11/23/2014 2:24:32 PM PST by SunkenCiv
Mexican archaeologists exploring one of the country's most spectacular ancient temples have uncovered a stash of thousands of artifacts that are estimated to date back as far as 200 A.D.
The Temple of the Feathered Serpent sits on the outskirts of Mexico City. The new Lazgo Hal Tladocan project to explore tunnels beneath it is one of the most important archaeological investigations Mexico has ever seen.
Sculptures carved in stone, ornamented with pre-Columbian jewelry and elaborate jade and greenstone were found. Unique objects made of amber and thousands of wooden artifacts were also uncovered, hidden along with remains of animals, birds and food items.
Shells believed to be from the Gulf of Mexico also were dug up, some carved with geometric motifs and Teotihuacan characters, the civilization believed to have created the temple and surrounding city.
According to Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History, the tunnels are believed to be a pathway to a mythical underworld...
Experts hope continued excavation efforts will eventually lead to actual burial chambers directly beneath the temple, according to Vice News.
The find has been hailed as the most important single discovery in the 100 years that archeologists have been working at the Temple of the Feathered Serpent.
The tunnel which houses the precious artifacts was first uncovered in 2003 after heavy rains revealed a small entrance. Further study has led authorities to suggest that it was originally sealed by the Theotihuacano people 1,800 years ago.
It's hoped the tunnel finds will help historians build a better picture of the civilization that built the city and temple which reached a population of around 100,000 people before it was abandoned in 200 A.D.
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
Photo By INAH
Kewel. ..
Experts hope continued excavation efforts will eventually lead to actual burial chambers
Or to a mythical underworld.
That would serve them right, eh?
And this discovery may bring many gold and silver artifacts into the black market considering how reliable the Mexican Government is with their heritage.
LOL!
Picture #11 looks like obama.
I always wondered why those great Aztec and Mayan cities were abandoned. They didn’t even have global warming back then.
Lara Croft the Tomb Raider missed her chance at this one.
In the 1970s, my university had a gift store, where I bought my GF a interesting “pre-Columbian” artifact. Until years later, I never gave a thought that it could have been looted merchandise.
LOL
now if this was a movie, they’d run into the old feathered serpent hisownself, awakening him from centuries of sleep into a ravening beast.
That’s exciting.
I’ve been to Teotihuacan and Tulum. Would enjoy seeing this discovery. I’d hoped to do a round-robin trip of the Yucatan peninsula and the scattered archeological sites there...but that’s not likely to happen without a Seal Team to accompany me.
Stunningly beautiful.
Thanks,
mc
I think you'd be ok in Belize. Touring Caracol was fascinating when I did it several years ago and there are other great Mayan sites in the country too.
Tikal in Guatemala, just over the border from Caracol, is a "don't miss" if the political situation is calm. When I was there guards with military weapons were posted at hotels and other places to protect Americans and other guests from being kidnapped and held for ransom. Seeing rough-looking guys with AKs hiding in the hotel landscaping was a little unsettling at first. As things currently stand I wouldn't go near Mexico.
Thank you. Might not completely strike it off the list, then.
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