Post by Indilwen on Aug 13, 2010 14:55:20 GMT 12
Teotihuacan Ruins Reveal New Secrets
Archaeologists working among the ruins of Teotihuacan have discovered a new tunnel far beneath the surface.
The ruins of Teotihuacan are renowned for the immense Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Archaeologists have discovered very little about the life in Teotihuacan despite having worked in the ruins for nearly 100 years. A tomb or picture of a ruling figure has never been found. Most other pre-Hispanic cultures have deified their ruler in some way. Archaeologists are unsure whether this is a deliberate omission, or if there are still undiscovered parts of Teotihuacan.
Teotihuacan reached its apex sometime between 100 BC and 750 AD. The culture which built the ruins has yet to reveal many of its secrets. Teotihuacan was completely abandoned by the time the more well-known Mayans began to populate the area in the 1300s. The Mayans also named the location Teotihuacan, meaning “the place where men become gods”.
Suspicions about the tunnel were first raised in 2003. An intense rainstorm led to the ground sinking noticeably around the Temple of Quetzacoatl. The temple is located in the central ceremonial area of the ruins.
Beginning last year, archaeologists attempted to excavate the sunken area. The tunnel was discovered forty feet below the surface. Archaeologists say the tunnel was deliberately closed sometime between 200 and 250 AD. A camera lowered into the tunnel has shown offerings scattered, including jade, pottery, shell and stone
works.
Ground-penetrating radar reveals the tunnel ends in a 10 yard by 10 yard chamber at one end. Two smaller rooms are also located off of the tunnel. The larger of the three is believed to possibly hold the remains of a Teotihuacan ruler.
Archaeologist Sergio Gomez, working on the tunnel, says it may take at least two months before archaeologists can enter the tunnel for themselves.
date August 2010
source: www.overthelimit.info/curiosity/2010/08/05/teotihuacan-ruins-reveal-new-secrets/