500-Year-Old Aztec ‘Starfish Altar’ Unearthed in Mexico City

Archaeologists in Mexico City made a striking discovery last year: a 500-year-old altar from the Aztec civilization, decorated with shells and 164 starfishes. The artifact, which dates to around the year 1500, was found at the Templo Mayor Archaeological site, in Mexico City. The ceremonial structure features a particular kind of starfish, known as ‘chocolate chip sea stars.’ Their mottled orange and black bodies resemble the skin of jaguars. Jaguar bones were also found in the altar.

[RoccosVideos]

There’s still so much we can learn from native cultures. I’m glad they discovered this site so we can study it.

[StoicDeviant]

"Chocolate chip starfish"
Proceeds to compare it with a Jaguar and not a cookie. I've been mislead. 🙁

[robertovillarreal]

Just there 4 years ago.Mexico City is the belly button of old world civilization in the AMERICAS...A beautiful place to visit.

[tonytouch]

Damn this is sweet. I love findings like these

[flamingeel]

I love the ancient traditons of Mexico

[asicdathens]

I've been to the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. The Aztec's fascination with death and sacrifice was a bit strange for me. I remember the small sea shells carved as human skulls to form a necklace. Or their version of football that included sacrifices

[axlsanchez]

It's funny how the reason that the main sea star seems almost intact is because of the pressure of the upper layers of soil over the stone box where the offering is placed.
All the other stars had been disintegrating over the time, but this one in particular keeps its shape.
Also, the excavation process is really slow, so we still don't know what else might be underneath all the seashells and jaguar bones.

[jacquelinecastillo]

500 yr old altar starfish omg it's still intact wow😍⭐

[marshmallow]

It was probably so beautiful back in the day

[abehimself]

Como cuando los gringos se interesan mas en nuestra arqueología. Yo no miré esto en ningún noticiero mexicano.

[sandramorey]

Wow! Right i the middle of Mexico City. What treasures do we all have under our houses?

[humorsue]

Nice little history lesson from Inside Edition.

[lyndseypockrandt]

Love learn I never about this stuff they were my ancestors and so very little is know about these cultures so excited about Lidar and what new stuffs about to be found!

[nachobusiness]

One step closer to recover my peoples history 🙏 so much more to discover from these ruins its incredible we're basically still at the tip of the iceberg since the Spaniards burned the ancient codex of aztec, maya people

[CrrrashnnBurrrn]

One shell of a time digging up the past

[polyestereater]

yooo! I’m in Mexico City right now! Just flew here 4 days ago

[tokes]

I am Currently in Guerrero Mexico and Just about an hour from my parents town A European company bought part of the mountain and currently mining gold and diamonds.

[jenebethcabungcag]

We can find a beautiful and much learning from native cultures