How A 600-year-old Stone Box Overflowing With Weapons Was Discovered In Mexico

This prompted an urgent investigation in the historic Tlatelolco Archaeological Zone.

The 600-year-old stone box as seen during excavations was filled with dozens of knives. Photo Credit: Mauricio Marat and INAH

A magnificent 600-year-old stone box filled with an array of antiquated weapons has been discovered in the centre of Mexico City, tucked away behind the dusty layers of time. Before the relentless power of nature—a violent hailstorm—unveiled its existence, this archaeological treasure was lost and hidden in the whispers of generations. This prompted an urgent investigation in the historic Tlatelolco Archaeological Zone.

As archaeologists meticulously brushed away the debris of ages, they unearthed the hallowed ground of the Great Basement—a sacred site once revered by the military elites of Tlatelolco. Constructed from distinctive pink stone, this rectangular edifice served as a sanctuary for worship and ceremonial activities. On closer inspection, they noticed a crack in the flooring leading to a hidden treasure trove of large, structured stones, nestled like secrets waiting to be told.

The team worked diligently, digging down through layers of rock—one painted with dark hues and the other rich with the texture of pink stone—until their tools met the cool surface of the ancient box. What lay within was nothing short of astonishing: three blocks of copal tree resin, 59 pocket knives, and an impressive collection of seven obsidian stone knives, all finely crafted and ranging between four to six inches long. Each weapon tells a story, echoing the craftsmanship of a time long past.

According to archaeologists, this stone box was a carefully curated offering, buried between the years 1375 and 1418, rooted in ceremonial practices tied to the expansion of the Great Basement. The enigma surrounding the box deepens—was it dedicated to a particular deity? While they are currently unable to confirm its divine connection, the anticipation of further analysis holds promise that more hidden wonders may still be concealed within.

In parallel to this enthralling discovery, other excavations at the Great Basement have shed light on poignant details of history, revealing artefacts of pottery and a mass grave, a solemn reminder of lives lost during the cholera epidemic of 1833. Each layer unearths a fragment of the tapestry of human experience, tying together threads of reverence and tragedy.

As archaeologists continue their painstaking work, one cannot help but wonder what other stories the Earth have yet to whisper to those who dare to listen.