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1,700-Year-Old Spider Monkey Remains Discovered in Teotihuacán, Mexico

The ancient city of Teotihuacán, located just outside modern-day Mexico City, has long been a site of fascination for archaeologists and historians. Known as the "City of Gods," Teotihuacán was one of the largest and most influential cities in Mesoamerica, with a population estimated to have reached over 100,000 at its peak. Recently, a team of archaeologists made an exciting discovery within the city's ruins: the remains of a spider monkey that lived over 1,700 years ago.

The discovery was made by a team from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), who were excavating a residential area within Teotihuacán known as Tlajinga. According to INAH archaeologist Nelly Robles García, who led the excavation, "the finding is important because it is one of only a few examples we have from this period where we can see how animals were used by humans."

Spider monkeys were highly valued in Mesoamerican culture, and were often depicted in art and architecture. The discovery of the spider monkey remains provides valuable insight into the relationship between humans and animals in Teotihuacán, as well as shedding light on the diet and habitat of these creatures.

Teotihuacán was a hub of Mesoamerican civilization, with a complex social structure and advanced urban planning. The city was home to some of the largest pyramids in the world, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. It is believed that Teotihuacán was a major religious center, with many of its structures and artifacts reflecting a deep reverence for the gods.

The spider monkey remains were found in Tlajinga, a residential area within Teotihuacán that was inhabited by commoners. The remains were discovered alongside those of other animals, including dogs and rabbits. According to Robles García, "the presence of these animals suggests that they were used for food or as pets."

Spider monkeys played an important role in Mesoamerican mythology and religion. In many cultures, they were seen as messengers between humans and the gods. They were also associated with fertility and abundance, and were often depicted in art alongside maize plants.

The analysis of the spider monkey remains revealed valuable information about their diet and habitat. By examining isotopes in the bones, scientists were able to determine that the monkey likely ate a diet rich in fruit and leaves. They also found evidence that the monkey lived in a forested area near Teotihuacán.

The discovery of the spider monkey remains is an exciting development for archaeologists studying Teotihuacán. It provides valuable insight into the relationship between humans and animals in Mesoamerican culture, as well as shedding light on the diet and habitat of these fascinating creatures. As we continue to uncover new information about Teotihuacán, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex and sophisticated civilization that once thrived there.

Conclusion

The discovery of the 1,700-year-old spider monkey remains in Teotihuacán is a significant development for archaeologists and historians studying Mesoamerican civilization. The spider monkey played an important role in Mesoamerican mythology and religion, and was highly valued by the people of Teotihuacán. The discovery provides valuable insight into the relationship between humans and animals in this ancient culture, as well as shedding light on the diet and habitat of these fascinating creatures.

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