MEXICO CITY.- This year has been remarkable for Mexican archaeology, with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) announcing a series of groundbreaking discoveries that shed new light on the country’s rich prehistoric heritage. From submerged structures in bustling avenues to hidden settlements in dense jungles, these findings not only enhance our understanding of ancient societies but also pose intriguing questions for future research.
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Unearthing the Past Beneath Chapultepec
In a surprising revelation, archaeologists discovered a pier and a canal dating back to the Late Postclassic period (1200-1521 AD) beneath Chapultepec Avenue in Mexico City. Located two meters below the bustling modern street, these structures were part of the ancient beach of a peninsula at the foot of Chapulín Hill. Additionally, a contemporaneous dwelling was found on the grounds of the historic Ministry of Health building, providing invaluable insights into urban life during that era.
Maya Settlement Valeriana Reveals Population Insights
On the Yucatán Peninsula, a new Maya archaeological site named Valeriana has been uncovered. This expansive settlement, spanning 16.6 square kilometers, was identified using advanced LiDAR technology, which maps landscapes with laser pulses. Valeriana offers a glimpse into the population density of pre-Hispanic Campeche, featuring remnants of agricultural infrastructure and Classic Maya structures (250-900 AD). The discovery was a collaborative effort between INAH specialists and academics from Tulane University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Houston.
"Foundation Rock" Adds to Cobá’s Hieroglyphic Records
In Quintana Roo, within the renowned Cobá Archaeological Zone, researchers discovered one of the most extensive hieroglyphic texts ever recorded. The monument, approximately 1,500 years old and named the “Foundation Rock,” measures 4.30 meters in width and 3.50 meters in height. Comprising 123 hieroglyphic cartridges, it reveals previously unidentified names of sites, rulers, and deities, enriching the existing corpus of inscriptions and offering new avenues for understanding Maya civilization.
Clues to the Kaanu'l Dynasty in Dzibanché
Further discoveries in Quintana Roo include new evidence about the powerful Kaanu'l dynasty at the Dzibanché Archaeological Zone. Two platforms adorned with stucco-relief carvings were unearthed, featuring three scenes from the Early Classic period (500-600 AD). These carvings depict celestial guardians, ancestral figures inhabiting the night sky, and mythological animals linked to constellations, providing deeper insights into the dynasty’s cultural and religious practices.
Elite Residences and Extensive Shell Middens
In the Gulf Coast region, specifically in Ejido Morgadal, Papantla, Veracruz, archaeologists found the remains of a stone-built residence likely belonging to an elite family from the late Epiclassic to early Postclassic periods (850–1200 AD). Meanwhile, on Macapule Island in the Pacific Ocean, the discovery of extensive shell middens—spanning eight kilometers with eight shell mounds each rising 8 to 12 meters—marks one of the largest such sites in Sinaloa, indicating significant prehistoric shellfish consumption and coastal habitation.
Ancient Human Remains Illuminate Migration Paths
2024 also saw the recovery of crucial human bone remains that help trace ancient population routes. The "Man of Bilbao," unearthed from Coahuila’s dunes, revealed a new hunter-gatherer site occupied by Desert Cultures between 700 and 1000 years before present (B.P.). Additionally, at the Santa Lucía site in the State of Mexico, the discovery of “Yotzin,” a skeleton from the late Pleistocene to early Holocene (10,000 years B.P.), provides valuable information about early human morphology and anthropology in the region.
Tecacahuaco’s Circular Basamento and Traditional Canoe Findings
In the rugged Huasteca Hidalguense, remnants of a circular-plan basamento and other architectural structures, including an 18-meter-long ballgame court still cloaked in vegetation, were discovered at the Tecacahuaco settlement. Furthermore, a traditional tepari canoe, 14.80 meters in length, found submerged in Lake Pátzcuaro near Janitzio Island, Michoacán, yielded a unique collection of well-preserved human bones and pre-Hispanic ceramic and stone artifacts, offering a glimpse into ceremonial practices involving offerings to the lake.
Tlatelolco Celebrates Eight Decades of Archaeological Exploration
Marking eight decades of archaeological exploration, the Tlatelolco Archaeological Zone continued its excavations at the ceremonial center. A significant discovery in the Great Basamento was a donation box, arranged over seven centuries ago to consecrate an expansion of the worship space. Inside the box, researchers found 59 small knives, seven obsidian blades, and three blocks of copal, artifacts that provide further understanding of the rituals and religious life of the ancient inhabitants.
Looking Ahead
These remarkable discoveries by INAH not only enhance our knowledge of Mexico’s ancient civilizations but also highlight the importance of continued archaeological research and preservation. As new technologies and collaborative efforts between national and international scholars drive these findings, the mysteries of Mexico’s past continue to unfold, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
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