Unprecedented Pre-Hispanic Site Discovered in Veracruz, Mexico

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has reported the discovery of significant structures and a well-preserved stela at a 1,400-year-old archaeological site in Coatepec, Veracruz, Mexico. These artifacts were unearthed during a salvage operation at Bosque San Lucas, near the Campo Viejo site (150BC–AD150), and are attributed to the Early Classic period (AD200–AD600). Among the findings is a platform measuring 30 meters in length and 12 meters in width, featuring previously undocumented circular and square designs. A ritual offering was found, consisting of pottery, figurines, charred maize, and a green stone bead. The stela, standing 1.88 meters tall and 1.47 meters wide, illustrates two elite figures, noted by researcher Annick Daneels as atypical for central Veracruz. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced funding on June 19, with excavations set to continue until August and analysis expected to last until February 2027.