Ancient Mexican structure is a ‘miniature model of the universe’, say archaeologists: Underwater shrine appears to represent the beginning of space and time in Mesoamerican mythology

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Mexican archaeologists have identified a stone “tetzacualco” – or shrine – that they think could have been constructed as a “miniature model of the universe”. The structure is located in a pond on the side of the Iztaccihuatl volcano near Mexico City, on a site termed Nahualac. The underwater shrine appears to represent the beginning of space and time in Mesoamerican mythology.

Ancient Mexican structure is miniature model of the universe say archaeologists, miniature model of the universe mexico, mexico archeologists discover miniature model of the universe
The Nahualac shrine site viewed from above shows the submerged structure in the pond Picture by Arturo Cruz/Terrsat Cartografia

In some ancient Mesoamerican myths concerning the creation of the world, the crocodile monster Cipactli floated on the primal waters and from its body the earth and sky were created.

With the shrine placed in the middle of a pond, the archaeologists suggested that it is a representation of this origin story for the beginning of time and space – “a miniature model of the universe”.

Ancient Mexican structure is miniature model of the universe say archaeologists, miniature model of the universe mexico, mexico archeologists discover miniature model of the universe
Archologists suggest that water flowing into the pond was controlled to create a visual effect that made it appear like the stone structure was floating on the water mirror.

According to archaeologist Iris Hernández of the National Institute of Anthropology and History, who led the research, architectural elements placed in water sources in this manner appear to have been “an important part of Mesoamerican thought”.

Dr Hernández suggested that water flowing into the pond was controlled to create a visual effect that made it appear like the stone structure was “floating on the water mirror”.

Ancient Mexican structure is miniature model of the universe say archaeologists, miniature model of the universe mexico, mexico archeologists discover miniature model of the universe
Archaeologists digging the excavation site at Nahualac. By Proyecto Arqueologico Nahualac-INAH))

A team began to excavate the site back in 2016, finding a variety of signs of human activity at Nahualac.

These signs include ceramic fragments, parts of obsidian blades and organic remains such as charcoal and the mineral schist that may have been an offering of some sort.

Ancient Mexican structure is miniature model of the universe say archaeologists, miniature model of the universe mexico, mexico archeologists discover miniature model of the universe
Ancient Mexican structure is a ‘miniature model of the universe’, say archaeologists

Nahualac consists of two main areas – the first of which is the shrine, built from stacked stones not held together with any kind of cement in pre-Hispanic times.

The second area is found 150 metres away from the shrine, and there the archaeologists found ceramic materials associated with the rain god Tlaloc, dating from 750-1150 AD.

Ancient Mexican structure is miniature model of the universe say archaeologists, miniature model of the universe mexico, mexico archeologists discover miniature model of the universe
Archeologists believe the site Nahualac in Mexico represents a ritual space in which a cult of Tlaloc was based, along with worship of other deities of the water and land.

The researchers think the archeological sit of Nahualac in its entirety represents a ritual space in which a cult of Tlaloc was based, along with worship of other deities of the water and land.

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Puebla Online, IndependentInah Gob Mex

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