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Mexican archaeologists find largest Aztec figure The Aztecs, a warlike and deeply religious people who built numerous monumental works, ruled an empire stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean and encompassing much of modern-day central Mexico. The 12.4 tonne stone slab, 14 metres in surface area, was partially uncovered this month at the main Templo Mayor on the edge of the capital's central Zocalo square. Aztecs used the temple for worship and human sacrifice. Excavators have been astonished by the size of the piece and its elaborate engraving of the earth god Tlaltecuhtli as they uncovered more of the slab in recent days. Asked if it was the most important Aztec piece found, anthropologist Alvaro Barrera said: "For its size, yes, for the importance ... we have to wait to see what we discover and its context". When it was discovered, officials said the monolith and an adjacent 15th Century altar comprised the most significant Aztec find in decades. Now with the realisation that the monolith is likely a giant stone idol, some are calling it one of the greatest archaeological finds in a country that also boasts pyramids like Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan. Last year scientists found a 2,600-year-old, 30-tonne idol in Tamtoc, San Luis Potosi, belonging to an older culture. "These two finds, Tamtoc and this stone, on a national level are the most important ever. We still haven't completely uncovered it, but we are getting very excited," Alberto Diez said, a member of the archaeological team. The scientists believe the monolith could cover the entrance to a chamber and may soon announce more finds. "Most likely we will find an enormous offering below it. If there is a chamber, we will find a series of impressive offerings," he said. The Aztecs' often bloody reign began in the 14th century and ended when they were subjugated in 1521 by the Spanish, led by Hernan Cortes. Aztec rulers began building the pyramid-shaped Templo Mayor in 1375. Its ruins are now yards from downtown's choking traffic. The temple was a center of human sacrifice. At one ceremony in 1487, historians say tens of thousands of victims were sacrificed, their hearts ripped out. Spanish conquistadors destroyed the temple when they razed the city and used its stones to help build their own capital. Archaeologists say the Spaniards came within feet of discovering the idol. Now the site is surrounded by Spanish colonial buildings like Mexico City's cathedral and the historical National Palace as well as convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. - Reuters |
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