Mexico City archaeologists made an astonishing discovery last year. They found a 500-year-old Aztec altar decorated with shells, 164 starfishes, and it was 500 years old.
The artifact, which dates to around the year 1500, was found at the Templo Mayor Archaeological site in Mexico City.
A particular type of starfish is featured in the ceremonial structure, which is known as “chocolate chip sea stars.”
Their skin resembles that of jaguars, with their black and mottled orange bodies. Jaguar bones were also found at the altar, as Mexico is home to these big cats.
Archaeologists believe that the altar was dedicated to war because of its jaguar motifs and location within Templo Mayor.
In 1519, Spanish forces arrived in Hernan Cortes’s presence and the Aztecs were soon caught up in a conflict that would end their civilization.
Now, their descendants must search for the remains of this civilization.
In this case, that means researchers at Templo Mayor will be examining each of the altar’s 160 or so starfish, to learn more about their forebears.