Construction workers stumble upon 2,000-year-old Ancient Settlement in Mexico
Construction work taking place in the town of Jaltipan, southeast of Veracruz in Mexico, has uncovered an ancient settlement dating back 2,000 years. So far, archaeologists have found 30 skeletons, the ruins of a pyramid, clay figurines, jade beads, mirrors and animal remains.
The animal remains, which included deer antlers and the bones of dogs, coyotes, deer, fish and birds, were found alongside the human skeletons, suggesting that they were buried as animal companions for the underworld. However, the skeletons have not yet been analysed in detail and this should reveal a lot more about how the bodies were prepared for burial.
Archaeologists believe that the ancient settlement was occupied between the 1 st and the 7 th century AD. Although little is known at the moment about the people who lived there, there are some indications that the site was multicultural as artifacts found at the site represent multiple cultures. Another explanation could be the inhabitants of the site were collectors who traded items from other cultures.
According to the National Anthropology and History Institute, the pyramid that was found is made of stone slaps and is 12 metres in height. It is a rare discovery as monumental stone architecture has rarely been found in Veracruz. Researchers say that the pyramid is Mayan or Tajin in style. However, much more will become known about the surprising discovery once further analysis has taken place.
