Ancient Mesoamerican Cities: From Allies to Adversaries
Uncovering the Teotihuacan Outpost in Tikal
Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery at Tikal, an ancient Maya metropolis in Guatemala. They have unearthed buildings and artifacts that suggest the presence of an outpost from the distant city of Teotihuacan, located over 600 miles away in what is now Mexico City.
The abandoned structures, crafted from earth and stucco, are unlike anything the ancient Maya constructed. One building bears a striking resemblance to the Citadel, a ceremonial complex in Teotihuacan. These discoveries indicate that people from Teotihuacan or its surrounding culture once resided in Tikal.
Evidence of Amity and Enmity
Further evidence of a connection between the two cities comes from weapons made of green obsidian from central Mexico, carvings depicting the Teotihuacan rain god, and a burial performed in the Teotihuacan manner. These findings suggest that the Tikal outpost may have been home to Teotihuacan dignitaries.
However, the relationship between Tikal and Teotihuacan eventually soured, leading to warfare. Ceramic styles found in the Tikal citadel indicate that it was built around 300 A.D., while Teotihuacan conquered Tikal decades later, in 378 A.D.
The Enigma of the Diplomatic Rift
Archaeologists speculate that a sudden rift emerged between the two cultures. Engravings in Tikal record the entry of a foreign army led by a man named Sihyaj K’ahk’ on January 16, 378, the same day that Tikal’s long-reigning king died. Portraits of the newly crowned ruler show him adorned with Teotihuacan headdresses and wielding a Teotihuacan spear, suggesting a foreign influence.
Maya Murals and the Severed Ties
Further evidence of the sudden deterioration of relations comes from the destruction and burial of Maya murals in Teotihuacan between 350 and 400 A.D. Archaeologists believe these murals were part of a compound inhabited by Maya nobles or diplomats living in the foreign city.
LiDAR Technology Unveils Hidden Structures
The discovery of the Teotihuacan outpost began with a LiDAR scan in 2018, which revealed that mounds previously thought to be natural hills were actually ancient structures. This survey indicated that Tikal was significantly larger than previously believed.
Excavations conducted between October 2019 and January 2020 confirmed the presence of the Teotihuacan-style structures. Archaeologists plan to return for further excavations to uncover more secrets about the people who built these enigmatic structures and the complex relationship between Tikal and Teotihuacan.
