Archaeologists in Mexico City have uncovered the remnants of a pre-Hispanic port buried beneath Chapultepec Avenue. This discovery sheds light on the waterways and settlements of ancient civilizations before the Spanish colonization. Featuring dock structures, canal remnants, and numerous artifacts, the find illustrates the importance of water-based infrastructure in pre-Columbian society. It also highlights how these landscapes evolved through the colonial period.
By John Adams
A Port on the Shores of Lake Texcoco
The unearthed port once sat on a peninsula at the base of Chapulín Hill, where a river fed into Lake Texcoco. Over centuries, the stream was transformed into a navigable canal, then into a pipeline during colonial times, eventually becoming the Chapultepec aqueduct in the 18th century. This system provided water to Mexico City for generations. The canal is even depicted in the 16th-century Santa Cruz Map, where canoes and other small vessels are shown navigating the city’s waterways.
Engineering and Use of the Port
Archaeologists uncovered dock remnants and canal walls supported by wooden pilings. At the center of the dock area, they found 40 transverse fir wood pilings ranging from 16 to 54 inches in height. Fir wood was likely chosen for its durability and resistance to water damage. Additional botanical remains, including seeds, gastropods, and roots, suggest the pre-Hispanic inhabitants relied on a diet of pumpkins, tomatoes, and wild greens.
Artifacts Reflecting a Cultural Transition
Beyond the structural findings, archaeologists discovered ceremonial items such as incense burners and vessels adorned with solar symbols. Colonial-era artifacts, including early hammered coins and green-glazed pottery with religious seals, were also recovered. These items reveal a blend of indigenous and European influences, showcasing a transitional period in the region’s cultural history.
Significance of the Discovery
This excavation underscores the importance of waterways in pre-Hispanic civilizations and their transformation during Spanish colonization. The findings highlight the technical expertise and cultural richness of the region’s early inhabitants. They also serve as valuable resources for understanding Mexico City’s complex historical layers.
The discovery of this ancient port highlights how past civilizations adapted their environments to thrive. Such findings enrich our understanding of history and the enduring influence of these early cultures.
Based on information from www.heritagedaily.com and own research.