Skull Rack and Towers found in Mexico City

  • Thread starter BillTre
  • Start date
In summary, the Mexica, a sub-group of the Aztec in Mexico City, practiced human sacrifice and displayed the skulls in "towers" in front of a pyramid with two temples. The Conquistadors noted this but the site was later lost. Recently, the claims of the Conquistadors were proven true when the site was rediscovered. Archeologists, who are only dealing with the bones, may experience PTSD from the gruesome practices of the priests.
  • #1
BillTre
Science Advisor
Gold Member
2,495
9,813
The Mexica, people/government (sub-group of Aztec in the Mexico city area), who were there until the Conquistadors took over in 1521, did a lot of human sacrifice and racked up the skulls and made "towers" of them in front of a pyramid with two temples on top of it.

This was noted by the Conquistadors, but the site was built over and lost.
The claims of the Conquistadors were questioned, until recently when they were rediscovered.
Long Science mag news article here with pictures and a video.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Pretty gruesome, I don't know how archeologists survive this without getting PTSD.
 
  • #3
The archeologists are only dealing with the bones.
The priests were cutting out hearts, cutting off heads, etc.
Of course they were true believers.
 
  • #4
But the archeologists might still get nightmares as they understand the true brutality of it and the nightmares could lead to PTSD.
 

Related to Skull Rack and Towers found in Mexico City

1. What are skull racks and towers found in Mexico City?

Skull racks and towers are large structures made of human skulls that were commonly used by the Aztecs as a form of religious and ritual practice. They were usually located in temples and served as a reminder of the power and dominance of the Aztec empire.

2. How were skull racks and towers constructed?

The construction of skull racks and towers was a complex process. The skulls were first cleaned and then pierced at the temples. They were then tied together with ropes to create a structure resembling a pyramid. Finally, the structure was adorned with feathers and other decorative elements.

3. What was the purpose of skull racks and towers?

Skull racks and towers held great religious and political significance for the Aztecs. They were believed to be the gateway to the afterlife and were used in various rituals and ceremonies. They also served as a symbol of power and intimidation, as the display of human skulls was meant to showcase the might of the Aztec empire.

4. Are there any specific locations in Mexico City where skull racks and towers can be found?

Yes, there are several locations in Mexico City where skull racks and towers have been discovered. Some of the most notable ones include the Templo Mayor, Tlatelolco, and the Huey Tzompantli.

5. How many skulls were typically used to construct a skull rack or tower?

The number of skulls used to construct a skull rack or tower varied, depending on its size and purpose. Some structures were made with just a few dozen skulls, while others contained thousands. The Huey Tzompantli, for example, is estimated to have held over 60,000 skulls.

Similar threads

I Debunking the Myth of the Devil's Racetrack in Death Valley
    • Classical Physics
Replies
9
Views
2K
I A Bold New Take on Quantum Theory
    • Quantum Interpretations and Foundations
Replies
25
Views
1K
Seaport 2.5 Miles Above Sea Level(?)
    • Earth Sciences
Replies
10
Views
8K
News Masonic Symbol found in Temple Mount artifact
    • General Discussion
Replies
2
Views
4K
Update on the lost Cuban City
    • Earth Sciences
Replies
17
Views
15K
News Temple Mount Faithful: Fighting for Religious Freedom in Israel
    • General Discussion
Replies
4
Views
2K
King Edwin of Northumbria: From 616-633
    • General Discussion
Replies
11
Views
4K
Do Movies Teach Us Realistic Life Skills?
    • General Discussion
Replies
1
Views
8K
Earth Day - My Contact Experience
    • Earth Sciences
Replies
16
Views
4K
The Truth about 911 gutting the disinformation, LETS GET IT ON
    • General Discussion
4
Replies
109
Views
54K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top