alt.hn

1/30/2026 at 10:26:54 AM

1,400-year-old tomb featuring giant owl sculpture discovered in Mexico

https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/29/science/zapotec-tomb-mexico-scli-intl

by breve

2/4/2026 at 12:16:31 AM

Primary release from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History:

* https://www.inah.gob.mx/boletines/el-gobierno-de-mexico-anun...

Better than CNN english language reporting based on primary release:

* https://www.labrujulaverde.com/en/2026/01/an-intact-1400-yea...

Lack of location details and surrounds is deliberate in this type of work given the activities of looky lous and treasure hunter types, however there has been many years of prior work grinding through funery sites, burial "high rises", and cities of the dead:

  The significance of the discovery is further consolidated through comparisons with other high-status Zapotec funerary contexts in the region, such as those at Monte Albán or Lambityeco. Due to its construction quality, decorative richness, and symbolic complexity, the newly discovered tomb joins this elite group, confirming the existence of a powerful and widespread artistic and religious tradition in the Central Valleys during the Classic period. It is not an isolated find, but a key piece that completes a cultural mosaic, providing new data on the standardization of certain rituals and the diversity of iconographic expressions of power in death.

by defrost

2/3/2026 at 11:47:51 PM

I wish this article shared more about how this tomb was discovered. Was it buried under mountain of dirt? Under a jungle canopy no one explored? Has it been there all along at an existing ruins site but was hidden in some way? Give us details man!

by shartshooter

2/4/2026 at 3:28:19 AM

I wonder if locals have always known about the tomb, but never realized it could be of interest on an international level.

by divbzero

2/4/2026 at 2:08:03 AM

They likely do not want to give any details that allow third parties to figure out its location. It's frustrating, but their main goal right now needs to be imaging and preserving the art, and dating and identifying artifacts.

by parl_match

2/4/2026 at 4:05:53 AM

Does anyone know how to get past the CNN popup that only gives you the choice "Agree to collecting any and all private information"? There is no way to opt out, no way to disagree. I refuse to press it, and have not read CNN articles for the last year or so.

by jawilson2

2/3/2026 at 11:23:29 PM

The Zapotec civilization pre-dates the Aztecs and Maya and were the first to develop a writing system in Mexico.

Benito Juarez, President of Mexico during their revolution, was Zapotec.

The Zapotec people are still around today and a large number still speak their ancient language. A large number moved to LA and another group in New Jersey, but they're all over the US.

by engineer_22

2/4/2026 at 1:27:25 AM

How many are "pure Zapotec" vs a blend of Spanish/Aztec/Mayan/Tlaxcalan/Cempoaloan/Texcocan? Is it a genetically identifiable trait or just cultural?

by chrisco255

2/4/2026 at 4:15:45 AM

There is no such thing as “pure X” when it comes to organisms.

by frutiger

2/4/2026 at 12:43:16 AM

I just hate CNN subscribe screen. It completely locks my iPhone chrome browser. I have to kill the browser and reopen it to go back.

by robofanatic