In an exciting archaeological find, researchers in Mexico have uncovered 16 pre-Hispanic artworks along the proposed route of a new passenger train connecting Mexico City to Querétaro. This discovery, which includes remarkable paintings and petroglyphs, was made during an archaeological initiative backed by the Mexican government and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
Following these significant findings, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a plan to reroute the ambitious $8 billion train project to protect these invaluable cultural sites. The announcement came shortly after the initial discoveries were reported earlier this year.
The artworks, dating back to the Postclassic period of Mesoamerica, which spans from 900 CE until the Spanish conquest in 1521, were found on two cliffs in the state of Hidalgo. This historical period encompasses the rise and fall of the Aztec civilization. The remaining figures, described by INAH as originating from "prehistory," are believed to be over 4,000 years old.
These newly documented human and animal representations enhance previous archaeological findings along the train's route. In a related discovery earlier this year, INAH revealed an altar containing human remains dating back to between 900 and 1150 CE in the nearby area of Tula Chico.
Among the intriguing figures discovered, one anthropomorphic character depicted on a cliff near La Requena Dam is shown holding a ch'malli, an ornate shield crafted by the Aztecs from bird feathers. Another figure, characterized by a headdress and exaggerated eyes, resembles the Aztec rain deity Tlaloc, whose likeness was previously found near the Tula River.
Notably, one prehistoric figure painted in red appears to hold either a snake or a bolt of lightning. Archaeologist Abel José Romero García suggested that the iconography may be linked to the final era of the pre-Hispanic Toltec city of Tula.
INAH reports that the early artists employed a technique akin to pointillism, typically associated with 19th-century European painters, using natural pigments for their creations. The significance of these artworks highlights the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Previous expeditions had hinted at the existence of these drawings, with local communities and archaeologists noting their presence. The area was previously explored in the 1970s as part of the Tula Archaeological Project, which documented a deer-like figure believed to hold religious significance.
Through collaborative efforts between INAH and the Ministry of Defense, the preservation of these petroglyphs and paintings has been ensured, as stated by project coordinator archaeologist Víctor Francisco Heredia Guillén.
This initiative not only safeguards Mexico's cultural legacy but also sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects, emphasizing the importance of balancing development with the preservation of historical treasures.