1,000-Year-Old Human Sacrifice Altar Unearthed in Mexico

Archaeologists in Mexico have unearthed a 1,000-year-old stone altar used for human sacrifices, offering a new window into the practices of the Toltec Empire. The discovery, made during excavation for a transportation project near the ancient city of Tula, about 55 miles north of Mexico City, includes human remains, obsidian knives, and ceramic vessels. This finding provides valuable insight into the religious rituals and urban layout of a civilization that flourished between 950 and 1150 AD.

A ‘Momoztli’ and its Offerings

The altar, described by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) as a momoztli – the Nahuatl term for such structures – is constructed in three layers of stone, measuring approximately 10 square feet. Four human skulls and several leg bones were found positioned around three sides of the altar, strongly suggesting they were offerings resulting from sacrificial practices. INAH’s statement details the careful excavation and initial analysis of the site.

Victor Francisco Heredia Guillén, the archaeologist coordinating the project, explained in a translated video that the placement of the bones indicates a deliberate offering, though the full extent of remains at the site remains unknown. “We know that they are offerings because they are located specifically in certain sections of the feature, but we don’t know if they have any other remains underground that cannot be physically seen,” he stated.

Contextualizing Tula’s Rise and Rituals

The Toltec Empire emerged as a dominant force in Mesoamerica following the decline of Teotihuacán around AD 550, and predated the rise of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, in 1325. Tula, located in the Hidalgo state of Mexico, was a contemporary of Chichén Itzá in the Yucatán Peninsula, and served as a significant urban center. The city is renowned for its large pyramid dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, adorned with massive statues of Toltec warriors. Learn more about Teotihuacán here.

The newly discovered altar appears to date to the imperial period of Tula’s occupation. Archaeologists theorize that the human sacrifices may have involved enemies defeated in battle, reflecting the Toltec’s reputation as fierce warriors. One skull found at the site still retains a portion of the spine, suggesting decapitation was a method used in the sacrificial rituals, carried out with obsidian or flint knives, as metalworking was not yet widespread during that period.

Beyond the Altar: Uncovering Tula’s Urban Structure

The excavation revealed more than just the altar itself. Researchers also uncovered remnants of walls surrounding the structure, indicating it was situated within a courtyard. Additional rooms flanking the courtyard suggest the area may have been part of a palace or residential complex inhabited by Tula’s elite. This discovery is expected to refine understanding of the city’s urban layout and social organization.

The uncover occurred during archaeological salvage work related to the construction of the Mexico City-Querétaro Passenger Train. Such salvage operations are common in Mexico, and elsewhere, when infrastructure projects threaten archaeological sites. Heritage Daily provides further details on the context of the discovery.

Analyzing the Victims: What Remains to Be Learned

Even as the discovery of the altar and human remains is significant, further research is needed to fully understand the context of the sacrifices. Anthropological analysis of the bones will determine the sex of the victims, and chemical analysis may reveal whether they were local to Tula or originated from elsewhere. This could provide insights into the scope of the Toltec’s influence and the nature of their interactions with neighboring communities.

Claudia Curiel de Icaza, the Mexican secretary of culture, emphasized the importance of the find, stating, “Each discovery like this expands our knowledge of one of the great civilizations of Mesoamerica.” More information about the Secretary of Culture can be found here.

The Significance of ‘Momoztli’ in Mesoamerican Ritual

The term momoztli, used to describe the altar, offers a glimpse into the worldview of the Nahuatl-speaking peoples who inhabited the region. These altars were central to religious ceremonies and served as a focal point for communication with the divine. Human sacrifice, while a complex and often unsettling practice, was believed to be necessary to maintain cosmic balance and ensure the continuation of life. The specific rituals and symbolism associated with momoztli varied across different Mesoamerican cultures, but they consistently involved offerings to the gods, often including precious objects and, in some cases, human lives.

The discovery at Tula adds to a growing body of evidence documenting the practice of human sacrifice in Mesoamerica. While the scale and frequency of these sacrifices remain a subject of debate among scholars, they played a significant role in the religious and political life of these ancient civilizations. Greek Reporter offers additional coverage of the find.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Research

The archaeological team will continue to excavate the area surrounding the altar, hoping to uncover additional artifacts and information about the site. The findings will be carefully documented and analyzed, and the results will be published in scientific journals and presented at conferences. This process of investigation and dissemination of knowledge is essential for advancing our understanding of the Toltec Empire and its place in Mesoamerican history.