Stone pyramids were built 3,000 years ago in heart of Mexico. Now researchers know why
More than 3,000 years ago, a series of stone pyramids were constructed in the heart of Mexico.
Now, thanks to recent archaeological excavations, researchers have revealed they were used by indigenous people for ceremonial purposes.
The pyramids, of which there are over a dozen, are located at a sprawling archaeological site in Puebla, a state in central Mexico.
For the past decade, archaeologists have been excavating three of them, which compose a “Great Plaza,” according to a March 22 news release from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
The excavations corroborate a hypothesis that the site was used by natives of Sierra Norte for ceremonial astronomical observations.
The ceremonies, which would have taken place sometime between 600 and 200 B.C., involved observing stars to keep track of the agricultural cycle.
Today, the pyramids are heavily damaged from adverse weather, herd animals and stone extraction for building nearby homes.
Still, a number of artifacts were found and discoveries were made that confirmed the existence of ancient astronomical observations.
Among the unearthed objects were burned ceramics and pieces of obsidian, which were used as offerings by Mexico’s early inhabitants, officials said.
Additionally, the main pyramid was revealed to have been well situated to view the star Canopus — one of the brightest in the night sky — during the month of February.
Prior research has shown that the ancient inhabitants of central Mexico maintained accurate agricultural calendars using “precise” astronomical observations.
After using the pyramids for astronomical ceremonies, the inhabitants of Sierra Norte mysteriously abandoned the site and migrated to Teotihuacan and other parts of Mexico.
However, they returned later to honor their ancestors, officials said.
Further research will be conducted at the site, which will remain closed to the public.
Google Translate was used to translate a news release from INAH.
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