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Título del libro: Echinoderms: Durham - Proceedings Of The 12th International Echinoderm Conference
Título del capítulo: Echinoderm remains in the offerings of the Great Temple of the Aztecs

Autores UNAM:
FRANCISCO ALONSO SOLIS MARIN; ALFREDO LAGUARDA FIGUERAS;
Autores externos:

Idioma:

Año de publicación:
2010
Palabras clave:

Animal remains; Excavation level; Mexico City; Multi-tiered; Wealth of information


Resumen:

Animal remains have been part of the archaeological discoveries around the world and are present in different cultures. In 1978, the ruins of the Aztec Great Temple were discovered beneath the central plaza of Mexico City. Over the next few decades, this sacred structure was excavated and studied, revealing a wealth of information about Aztec religious life. Five-hundred years ago, this multi-tiered pyramid marked the literal center of the Aztec universe. Here elaborate ceremonies were performed to maintain cosmic order and sustain the gods. Among the abundant offerings entombed in the foundations, the seventh constructive stage of the Great Temple (offerings No. 102 and 107) held the remains of complete tests and fragments of three species of echinoids: Echinometra vanbrunti, Clypeaster speciosus and Mellita sp. E. vanbrunti represent the most abundant echinoderm remain buried beneath the Great Temple. The remains are dated between the years 1502 to 1521 and were found at the deepest excavation level. Possible explanations on the origin and meaning of these offerings are given. © 2010 Taylor & Francis Group.


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