Toltec Altar and Grisly Offerings Unearthed Near Tula, Mexico

The Toltec altar and human remains discovered in Tula, Mexico.

March

/ 2026

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During archaeological salvage operations along the route of the new Mexico City-Querétaro Passenger Train, specialists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have unearthed a significant momoztli, or altar, just outside the Tula Archaeological Zone in Hidalgo. This fascinating discovery, dating to the Tollan phase (900-1150 AD), provides crucial new insights into the urban layout and ritual practices of Tula, the ancient capital of the mighty Toltec civilization.

The most striking aspect of the discovery is the presence of grisly human offerings carefully placed around the base of the altar, highlighting the intense ritualistic nature of the site. The remains likely correspond to the Tollan phase of the ancient metropolis, found near the area known as Tula Chico, approximately 300 meters from the perimeter wall of the main archaeological monument zone.

Skull discovered at the base of the Toltec altar in Tula, Hidalgo. ( Gerardo Peña / INAH)

The Structure of the Toltec Momoztli

The project’s archaeological salvage coordinator, Víctor Francisco Heredia Guillén, reported that the newly discovered altar measures approximately one meter on each side. Its construction features a base of dressed stone and appears to have consisted of at least three low, step-less sections. The first section comprises a quarry stone base, likely made of andesite, with outer blocks no more than 10 centimeters thick. The second section includes modular slabs of the same material, while the upper part is finished with river stones and basalt.

Emmanuel Hernández Zapata, chief field archaeologist for Front 5, explained that the discovery began in a one-square-meter test pit where a compacted layer was detected. As the excavation was extended, the team uncovered one corner of the altar and subsequently the other vertices. The altar's location and the discovery of nearby wall foundations suggest it was positioned at the center of a courtyard, possibly within an elite residential context or palatial structure.

Human remains and offerings at the altar in Tula. (Gerardo Peña/INAH)

Grisly Offerings and Decapitation Rituals

The most chilling aspect of the find lies at the base of the altar. On three sides of the lower level, offerings of human skeletal remains were discovered, including four skulls and long bones, likely femurs. Archaeologists hypothesize that similar remains may also be present on the fourth side, which is yet to be fully excavated.

At the very base of the altar, two skulls were found - one facing upwards and the other oriented southwest. Beneath a compacted stucco layer, possibly made of lime and sand, archaeologists uncovered two additional incomplete skeletons along with further ceramic vessels, including a black bowl with another placed inside it, obsidian fragments, and blades.

Heredia Guillén noted that it is unlikely complete skeletons will be found, as only selected body parts may have been offered in ritual sacrifice. The remains will be analyzed at the project’s physical anthropology laboratory in the State of Mexico to determine age, sex, bone pathologies, and possible evidence of decapitation. Notably, one skull appears to remain attached to part of the spine, strongly suggesting decapitation.

“Although metalworking was already known in the Postclassic period, decapitations here were still carried out using obsidian or flint knives, which leave distinctive cut marks on bone,” Heredia Guillén explained.

The pyramid of Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli at Tula, topped with the iconic Atlantean figures. (Bgabel / CC BY-SA 3.0)

Expanding Knowledge of Ancient Tula

The discovery of this altar and its associated offerings is a significant addition to our understanding of the Toltec capital. Tula was a major center of power in Mesoamerica, known for its fierce warriors and impressive architecture, including the famous Atlantes - massive stone columns carved in the likeness of Toltec warriors.

The location of the altar, outside the main ceremonial center, provides valuable clues about the urban sprawl of Tula. “We know that the outskirts of Tula included neighborhoods of upper and middle classes, with commoner areas located further away,” Hernández added. The presence of elite structures in this area suggests a complex and highly stratified society.

In addition to the human remains and the altar itself, the excavation yielded scattered ceramic, lithic, and malacological materials, which will be analyzed to identify species. Everyday items such as spindle whorls, bone awls, and knives were also recovered, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who lived and worshipped in this area.

The Secretary of Culture of the Government of Mexico, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, emphasized the importance of this find, stating:

“Each discovery like this expands our knowledge of one of the great civilizations of Mesoamerica and reinforces a central conviction of our cultural policy: Mexico’s archaeological heritage is the memory of our peoples, and the State assumes responsibility for investigating, safeguarding and transmitting it to present and future generations.”

As analysis of the remains and artifacts continues, researchers hope to uncover more details about the rituals performed at this altar and the lives of the individuals whose remains were offered to the gods.

Top image: The altar or momoztli discovered during salvage excavations near Tula, Hidalgo. Source: Gerardo Peña / INAH

By Gary Manners