Madrid Leader Questions Mexico Site

Why this is here: Archaeologists discovered over 650 human skulls at Huei Tzompantli, with about 25% belonging to women and children, surprising researchers who previously believed these structures only displayed the remains of captured warriors.

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, questioned Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico, about a site on República de Guatemala street in Mexico City. Ayuso made the inquiry during a speech to the Madrid Assembly, suggesting the site holds pre-colonial history. She asked why the location isn't open to the public and accused some groups of distorting Spanish history.

The site in question is Huei Tzompantli, a ceremonial structure discovered by archaeologists from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History between 2015 and 2017. Excavations during building recementation revealed a platform roughly 70 centimeters high, estimated to have originally measured 36 to 40 meters long. Archaeologists found a circular tower constructed with over 650 human skulls, roughly 25% of which belonged to women and children—challenging previous beliefs about who was displayed on such structures.

Currently, Huei Tzompantli remains closed to the public due to ongoing research and the fragile nature of the remains. Researchers are using techniques like isotope analysis and ancient DNA to learn more about the individuals represented in the skull collection and ensure their preservation.