Inside ‘gateway to underworld' underneath 1,800-year-old city which holds ‘toxic' secret that scientists ‘can't explain'
The historic site, located in an ancient city, is thought to house a supernatural secret.
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Archaeologists have spent decades uncovering the temple
Credit: Reuters
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The discovery is believed to have supernatural connections
Credit: Reuters
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Liquid mercury was discovered at the site in 2015
Credit: Reuters
Quetzalcoatl Temple in Mexico, also known as the Feathered Serpent Pyramid is thought to have been built around 1,800 to 1,900 years ago.
During an excavation project researchers discovered large amounts of liquid mercury in 2015.
Its something experts believe means the structure was used to 'look into the supernatural world.'
They also believe its presence could indicate that a
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The pyramid was originally unsealed in 2003, allowing researchers like
During this excavation, researchers uncovered three chambers at the end of a 300 foot tunnel.
In addition to the liquid mercury, they also found artefacts like jade status, jaguar remains, and a box of carved shells and rubber balls.
The tunnels and adjoining structures lie 60 feet below the temple.
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In their 16 years excavating the temple, the research team uncovered over 3,000 ceremonial and ritual artefacts.
They have used their discoveries to create a comprehensive survey of the pyramid and tunnel using LiDAR scanners and photogrammetry.
Liquid mercury is not an
Its believed that mercury symbolises an underworld river or lake.
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"Mirrors were considered a way to look into the supernatural world, they were a way to divine what might happen in the future.
"It could be a sort of river, albeit a pretty spectacular one," Dr Headrick added.
The Quetzalcoatl Temple is located around 12 miles northeast of Mexico City in Teotihuacán - the heart of the Mesoamerican Teotihuacan universe.
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Around 4.5 million people visit the temple - which is the third largest in the city - every year.
It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and was listed on the World Monuments Watch in 2004 as tourist visitation led to the site's deterioration.
More than a
The Aztecs believed it was the place where Gods were created, with sacrifices being made as tributes.
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The Temple is around 1,800 to 1,900 years old
Credit: Getty
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It is the third largest temple in the Teotihuacán region of Mexico
Credit: Getty
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It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987
Credit: Reuters
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