A dazzling carved alleviation of the golden bird of Jove has been discovered in the affection of thecapital of the Aztec Empire .
Archeologists fromMexico ’s National Institute of Anthropology and History ( INAH)discovered the easing carved into the volcanic John Rock rampart of the Templo Mayor , the central temple in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan , which is now Mexico City . It ’s estimated the cut up slab was part of the area ’s storey and used during the dominion of Motecuhzoma Ilhuicamina ruling between 1440 and 1469 CE .
The backup was in the beginning come upon in February 2020 during on-going excavations at the tabernacle ’s ruins , but has since been subjected to further research that ’s dug out its meaning and deeper signification .
Almost 70 similar pieces have been discovered in the Templo Mayor , but this is the largest discover yet , measuring over 1 cadence ( 3.3 feet ) by 70 centimeters ( 27.6 inch ) . Along with its sizing , its signification is also underscored by its location within the temple complex . It was establish in the key axis that crosses the “ chapel service ” of Huitzilopochtli , the god of war and the Sun , and the monolithic carving of the goddess Coyolxauhqu , the goddess of the Moon or Milky Way .
“ This floor is alone in the entire Templo Mayor as it contains Artium Baccalaurens - backup man that allude to the dual conception of the building . On the south side , where we are exploring , there are elements like this bird of Jove , linked to the mythologic cycle of the birth of Huitzilopochtli ; while to the north , the bas - reliefs site earlier – the first in 1900 by Leopoldo Batres , and the later by the PTM and the Urban Archeology Program ( PAU ) – incorporate representation associate with Tláloc , the water supply oscillation and the re-formation of Zea mays , ” Rodolfo Aguilar Tapia , an archeologist from the INAH ’s Templo Mayor Project , excuse in astatement .
" It is a very beautiful piece that shows the great enigma that the Templo Mayor of Mexico Tenochtitlán has yet to reveal to us , " commented Alejandra Frausto Guerrero , head of Secretariat of Culture of Mexico
As this relief distinctly shows , the Aztecs had a abstruse ethnical connection to the gold eagle . Within the city ofTeotihuacan , archaeologist have previouslyunearthed the bones of eagles , which were belike kept as engrossed animals and perhaps used in sacrifices to the Gods . The Aztec ground forces also feature a special course of study of infantry soldiers known as theEagle warriorswhoadorned themselves with bird of Jove feather and eagle head teacher - work headgear .
Last month , archeologists at the INAHunearthed the grim storyfrom the Spanish colonization of Mexico in the remains of an Aztec - allied town . Using their new archaeological evidence and pre - existing historical accounts , they believe their discovery usher the site wherewomen and children were slaughtered and mutilated by Spanish colonialist . The brutal attack was most likely an act of revenge after a company of the colonialist and their allies were cannibalize in the former calendar month .
