Mexican archaeologists prompted by local residents discovered on top of a mountain in the state of Puebla pre-Hispanic two steles and dozens of images carved on the stone. Scientists suggest that these relics belonged to zapoteca – representatives of one of the oldest and most powerful civilizations of Mesoamerica.
according to The History Blog, the find was made in the South-East of Mexico. For relics, the archaeologists said the inhabitants of the nearby village of Santa Cruz. Two stelae of the pre-Hispanic period and 87 images carved on stones, was discovered in a remote location on top of Cerro de peña.
the Archaeologists had to work hard to reach them. The path is a steep rocky slope took more than two hours. The relics were at the height of 1845 meters above sea level. Preliminary analysis showed that the images on the stones were carved about 500 years of our era.
Scientists believe that it could do Zapotecs – representatives of a powerful ancient civilization, who were called “people of the clouds”. In this region Zapotecs settled about 2,500 years ago. The relics found were much younger, but their age is impressive – about 1500 years.
Archaeologists believe that the place where artifacts were found, had a sacred value and was dedicated to the God of the underworld Mictlantecuhtli. On the stele depicts a man with horns and claws, in a loincloth. It portrayed the God.
as for the engravings that adorned dozens of stones, they are very diverse. So, scientists identified the drawings of iguanas and eagle as well as the mythical creatures, goddesses of bats. Zapotecs worshipped a variety of gods associated with the cult of various animals.
This people was distinguished by a complex architecture, and their written language was based on the use of glyphs – petroglyphs. According to researchers, the relics found could be part of a larger ceremonial complex, which consisted of temples, the house of the ruler, seven pyramids and courts for ball games.
