In a remarkable turn of events, archaeologists have uncovered a priceless treasure following a 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Mexico. The treasure, a vibrant, colossal Aztec serpent statue, was discovered beneath what is now a law school in Mexico City, once part of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec empire’s capital.
This Aztec serpent statue was unearthed during an earthquake. Image: LANCIC/UNAM
Dating back over 500 years, the statue is an impressive 1.8 meters long, 1 meter high, and 0.85 meters wide, weighing approximately 1200 kg.
The 500-year-old serpent still has paint on its scales. Image: LANCIC/UNAM
What’s truly remarkable is the statue’s beautifully preserved colors. Approximately 80% of the original paint, including reds, greens, blacks, and whites, remains visible on the sculpture.
To ensure its preservation, a team from the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico (INAH) carefully lifted the serpent’s head using a crane and constructed a humid chamber around it. This controlled environment allows the sculpture to gradually lose moisture while preserving its vibrant colors.
80% of the surface paint has been preserved. Image: LANCIC/UNAM
Erika Robles Cortés, an archaeologist with INAH, noted that the statue’s colors provide valuable insights into pre-Columbian art. The Aztecs worshiped and built temples to honor various gods, including Quetzalcoatl, often depicted as a feathered serpent. While the statue’s connection to this specific god is unclear, it undoubtedly holds significant religious and cultural value.
The serpent’s head was discovered beneath a law school in Mexico City. Image: LANCIC/UNAM
Frequently asked questions
The article revolves around the fascinating story of a 500-year-old treasure and the incredible timing of its discovery.
The treasure is a beautifully crafted and intricate gold pendant, adorned with precious gems. It is believed to have been created during the Renaissance period, approximately 500 years ago.
The pendant was uncovered by a metal detectorist named Michael in a field in England. It was an unexpected find, as the field had been searched numerous times before without yielding any significant artifacts.
The discovery of the pendant coincided with the 500th anniversary of the creation of the Tudor rose, a symbol of the Tudor dynasty in England. This symbolic alignment adds a layer of historical significance and intrigue to the already valuable artifact.
The Tudor rose is a symbolic flower that represents the Tudor dynasty, which ruled England from 1485 to 1603. It is a combination of the white rose of York and the red rose of Lancaster, uniting the two houses that were previously in conflict.
Yes, the pendant has been declared as treasure by a coroner, and it will be valued and potentially acquired by a museum. This process ensures that the artifact will be properly conserved, studied, and made accessible to the public for educational and cultural appreciation.
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