A 500-Year-Old Aztec Tower of Human Skulls Is Even More Terrifyingly Humongous Than Previously Thought, Archaeologists Find
Unveiling the Enormity of Mexico’s Huei Tzompantli: A Tower of Human Skulls
Archaeologists have made a spine-chilling discovery at the Huey Tzompantli in Mexico City, unearthing a new section of this ancient Aztec tower of skulls. The recent find has revealed an astonishing increase in size, surpassing previous estimations. Originally uncovered in 2015, this harrowing structure now boasts a total of 603 human skulls, meticulously stacked and cemented together.
Believed to be one of several similar towers that once adorned the Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlán, the Huey Tzompantli has been an enduring symbol of both awe and terror. Historical accounts describe these skull towers, including the Huey Tzompantli, during the Spanish conquest led by Hernan Cortes in 1521. However, shortly thereafter, the Spanish conquistadores demolished these macabre monuments.
While it was known that severed heads of captured warriors were displayed on skull racks, known as “tzompantli” in the Aztec language of Nahuatl, the recent excavation has brought forth an unexpected revelation. Among the 119 newly discovered skulls, archaeologists found the remains of women and children, including three young ones identified by their immature teeth. This perplexing discovery challenges previous assumptions about the tower’s purpose and raises questions about the involvement of non-combatants in such rituals.
Led by the Urban Archeology Program at Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History, the ongoing dig has taken place near Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral, situated above the ruins of the Aztec religious center Templo Mayor, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Impressively, this cylindrical structure measures over 16 feet in diameter, evoking a sense of awe and dread.
Mexican Culture Minister, Alejandra Frausto, expressed her astonishment, stating, “The Templo Mayor continues to surprise us, and the Huey Tzompantli is without doubt one of the most impressive archaeological finds of recent years in our country.”
Archaeologists estimate that the construction of the tower took place between 1486 and 1502, during which the skulls were believed to be victims of ritual sacrifices offered to the gods. Each skull, transformed into a sacred offering or even personifications of deities themselves, adds to the mystique and horror surrounding the Huey Tzompantli.
The unearthing of this expanded section of the tower provides a chilling glimpse into the ancient Aztec civilization, its rituals, and the enduring fascination with death and the divine. As archaeologists delve deeper into the secrets hidden within the Huey Tzompantli, it is hoped that further insights will be gained into the complex history and beliefs of Mexico’s ancient past.
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