Archaeologists discover Toltec ritual altar and human offerings near Tula during rail construction

Archaeologists from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have uncovered a ceremonial altar with human offerings during salvage excavations for the Mexico City–Querétaro passenger rail line. The discovery occurred approximately 300 meters outside the protected Tula archaeological zone, revealing new insights into Toltec urban and ritual practices. This find indicates that Tula's influence extended beyond previously documented boundaries and highlights the importance of preventive archaeology in preserving cultural heritage during infrastructure development. Mexico's Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, noted that such discoveries demonstrate how the past remains present beneath modern landscapes.