19-05-2025
Archaeologists Unearth Hundreds of Pre-columbian Weapons, Artifacts
Archaeologists working in Mexico City have unearthed hundreds of obsidian artifacts dating back to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica and the Mexica Empire, according to a new study published in the journal Proceedings of the Natural Academy of Sciences.
Researchers found 788 obsidian artifacts, including sacrificial knives, blades, and ear spools, at the Temple Mayor in Tenochtitlan. Roughly 90 percent of the artifacts were sourced from Sierra de Pachuca, which was known for producing obsidian of spectacular green and golden colors.
"Although the Mexicas preferred green obsidian, the high diversity of obsidian types, mainly in the form of non-ritual artifacts, suggests that obsidian tools from multiple sources reached the capital of the Empire through market instead of direct acquisition in the outcrop,' lead author Diego Matadamas-Gomora said in a press release. 'By studying where this material came from, we can explore the movement of goods across Mesoamerica.'
By studying the source of the obsidian, scientists were able to ascertain a tremendous amount of information about the ancient society's cultural norms as well as its global reach. It was determined that the objects were made using eight distinct obsidian sources, some of which came from well outside Mexica's borders. Some of it was even pulled from Purépecha territories, an enemy culture which Mexica was never able to vanquish.
Researchers believe this indicates that Mexica was engaged in trade with their neighbors, despite diplomatic differences, a sparse contrast to what was previously believed about the society. Further excavations are set to take place in the area to hopefully determine more about Mexica's international reach.
