ANCIENT AZTEC CITY

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 July 1936, Page 8

ANCIENT AZTEC CITY

INTACT UNDER MEXICO CITY,

MEXICO, June 17

Excavations for the new Supreme Court of Justice building on the site of the old Volador market have revealed almost 100 ceramics, jars and pots of the pre-Cortesian epoch that archaeologists consider one of the most important finds in many years. It has long been known that the entire city of Mexico was built upon one of the richest archaeological sites in the country but comparatively few excavations have been made owing to the fact that the majority of buildings here are so sturdy that they have withstood time. Every now and then unusual finds have been unearthed below the surface of the city streets, including a portion of an Aztec temple. This has given rise to the belief generally held by archaeologists here that the ancient Aztec city, praised by the Spaniards for its beauty, still lies comparatively intact a few feet below the present capital’s streets. The recent discoveries of the Volador market place prove again the rich culture of the Aztecs. One. of the most interesting of these was a huge pit which contained a statue of the god Huehuoteotl together with many carved shells and other objects. It is believed that this represented an offering made by some wealthy Aztec many centuries ago. The urns and vases are exquisitely made, proving a rare knowledge of pottery making.