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Ancient Teotihuacan Altar Unearthed in Guatemala’s Tikal National Park, Revealing Cultural Links
TIKAL NATIONAL PARK, Guatemala – A significant archaeological find in Tikal National Park, Guatemala, has brought to light an altar originating from the ancient Teotihuacan culture. The discovery, announced Monday by Guatemala’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, underscores the historical interaction between Teotihuacan, a major pre-Hispanic civilization in present-day Mexico, and the Mayan city of Tikal, a pivotal center of Mayan culture. This Teotihuacan altar, located in the heart of the Mayan world, provides compelling evidence of the cultural exchange between these two influential societies.
Teotihuacan and Tikal: A Glimpse into Ancient Interactions
Tikal, a sprawling city-state renowned for its towering temples that still stand amidst the jungle, was historically engaged in centuries of conflict with the Kaanul dynasty for supremacy within the Mayan realm. Concurrently, further north in Mexico, Teotihuacan flourished near modern-day Mexico City. Teotihuacan, often referred to as “the city of the gods,” was a vast urban center. Its iconic Temples of the Sun and Moon are testament to its former grandeur. This extensive metropolis once housed over 100,000 residents and encompassed approximately 20 square kilometers (8 square miles).
The Enigmatic City of Teotihuacan
This ancient metropolis, shrouded in mystery, ranked among the largest cities globally during its zenith between 100 B.C. and A.D. 750. Intriguingly, Teotihuacan was abandoned well before the ascent of the Aztecs in the 14th century. The recent discovery of the Teotihuacan altar in Tikal offers new insights into the reach and influence of this powerful, yet enigmatic, civilization.
Sacrificial Altar and Child Remains Uncovered
Lorena Paiz, the lead archaeologist of the excavation, indicated that the Teotihuacan altar is believed to have been utilized for sacrificial rituals, particularly involving children. “Remains of three children, all under the age of four, were discovered on three sides of the altar,” Paiz disclosed to The Associated Press, highlighting the somber nature of the find.
Teotihuacan Traders and Cultural Diffusion
Paiz elaborated on the nature of Teotihuacan society, stating, “The Teotihuacan people were traders who traversed throughout Guatemala.” She further explained the architectural style of Teotihuacan residential compounds: “Teotihuacan living spaces were structured as houses with rooms and central altars. The discovered residence aligns with this pattern, featuring an altar adorned with a representation of the Storm Goddess.”
Years of Excavation Unveiling Ancient Residence
Archaeologists dedicated a year and a half to excavating the altar from within a residential structure and conducting thorough analysis prior to the official announcement of the discovery. This meticulous work underscores the significance and delicate nature of unearthing and interpreting such ancient artifacts.
Sociopolitical and Cultural Exchange
Edwin Román, leading the South Tikal Archaeological Project within the park, emphasized that this finding illustrates the sociopolitical and cultural interactions between the Mayan population of Tikal and the Teotihuacan elite during the period spanning 300 to 500 A.D. The Teotihuacan altar serves as tangible evidence of this ancient inter-civilizational relationship.
Tikal: A Cosmopolitan Hub of Ancient Cultures
Román further asserted that the discovery reinforces the notion that Tikal was a cosmopolitan center during this era. It functioned as a destination for individuals from diverse cultures, solidifying its status as a pivotal point of cultural convergence in the ancient world.
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María Belén Méndez, an archaeologist not affiliated with the project, remarked that this discovery validates “the interconnectedness between both cultures, shedding light on their relationships with deities and celestial entities.” Méndez further noted, “We observe the presence of sacrifice in both cultures. It was a common practice; not indicative of violence, but rather their method of connecting with celestial powers.”
Altar Dimensions and Construction
The discovered altar measures just over one meter (approximately a yard) in width from east to west and nearly two meters (almost 2 yards) from north to south. It stands approximately one meter (around a yard) tall and is constructed from limestone. These measurements provide further detail about this significant artifact.
Anthropomorphic Figures and Teotihuacan Design
The dwelling where the altar was unearthed contained anthropomorphic figures featuring red tassel details, a distinctive element of Teotihuacan culture, as highlighted in the ministry’s official statement. This decorative element further reinforces the Teotihuacan origin and influence at the site.
Preserving the Discovery Site
Tikal National Park is situated roughly 525 kilometers (325 miles) north of Guatemala City. The specific location of the discovery is currently under protection, and there are no current plans to make it accessible to the general public. This measure ensures the preservation of the site for further research and study.