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Researchers unravel the mystery surrounding the Xalla Palace in Teotihuacan

For decades, archaeologists and scientists have been studying the ancient civilization that once inhabited Teotihuacan

The Great Jaguar of Xalla is displayed as part of the "Teotihuacan, City of Gods" exhibition in Mexico City's anthropology museum May 21, 2009 - Photo: Héctor Montaño/EFE
15/03/2020 |15:11Newsroom/EL UNIVERSAL in English |
Redacción El Universal
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In recent years, experts have been working to understand the ancient civilization that once inhabited in . However, one of the most intriguing buildings erected by this culture is the , where the elite resided and which was apparently burned down during a riot .

During a press conference, Emiliano Melgar , the head of the Templo Mayor Museum , explained that Xalla had similarities with average neighborhoods such as Teopancazco and Oztoyahualco : trapezoidal plates of serpentine , a mineral, came from the same deposit in Tehuitzingo , Puebla .

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Nevertheless, the also displays materials that showcased the status of the elite: “ Flint sourced from Morelos, travertine from Puebla and Oaxaca, obsidian from the Neovolcanic Transverse Axis, serpentine and quartz from Guerrero and Oaxaca, and jadeite from Guatemala.”

Researchers Norma Valentín and Adrián Velázquez found and analyzed shells and remains of fauna .

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In Xalla , researchers have found 420 shells ; therefore, scientists were able to understand how important mollusks were for Teotihuacans . Moreover, in order to obtain the shells, they required divers and commerce networks to sell them at high prices, especially because they were used for rituals , jewelry , and music instruments .

The most valued species were the and the .

Researcher Norma Valentín found the remains of quails , hares , turkeys , seagulls , horned owls , and wolves .

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