Mexican archaeologists recently found four bunches of dried flowers in the tunnel under the pyramid in Teotihuacan, an ancient civilization site, with well-preserved flower stems still tied to the original cotton rope. Archaeologists speculate that this is a sacrifice made by ancients 1800 years ago to the feathered serpent god.
Geographical map of the ancient civilization site Teotihuacan.
Pyramids (temple of the feathered serpent) in the ancient city of Teotihuacan.
Sergio Gómez, an archaeologist at Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History, reportedly said the four bunches of dried flowers were in good condition, with the stems still tied to cotton ropes, and archaeologists estimated they might be between 1800 and 2,000 years ago.
Four bunches of dried flowers found by archaeologists.
Gomez said this was a very important discovery because it illustrates that a ceremony was held inside the tunnel 18 meters below the pyramid, a sacrifice to the feathered serpent god Quetzalcóatl.
It is reported that the feathered serpent god was an important deity in ancient Central America, and this historical area includes central Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and northern Costa Rica. It is said that this deity created human beings and also gave corn to humans.
Scanned view of the tunnels distributed under the pyramids.
Located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Mexico City, Teotihuacan reportedly boasts massive pyramids of the sun and moon, as well as a labyrinth of palaces, temples, residences, workshops, markets and avenues. The city is thought to have been built in 100 BC and existed until the 8th century.
Archaeologists consider it one of the most influential cities in Pre-Hispanic North America, with a population of 200,000 at its peak. Despite more than 100 years of exploration, only 5% of Teotihuacan has been excavated.
Gomez has been working in this ruined city for nearly 12 years, finding more than 100,000 artifacts, and the recent discovery of the offering of flowers is the first intact plant material found at the site.
Some artifacts excavated under the pyramids.
In 2011, archaeologists found other offerings at the base of the pyramid, including animal remains, three human statues and a green jade mask. The mask was used for rituals 2,000 years ago and is the only mask of its kind found in this ancient city.
Text/Nandu reporter Chen Lin