All of these items are over 2000 years old. They were buried in a tunnel under the Mexican Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent in Teotihuacan. It took archaeologist Sergio Gomez and his team more than 10 years to find them.
[Sergio Gomez, archaeologist]:
“We found many items with unique texts and materials in excellent condition. They allow us to expand our understanding of how we previously envisioned the tunnel."
In total, about one hundred thousand items were found. Among them are exquisitely carved statues, jade ornaments, giant shells, painted pottery and many other artifacts that have survived almost intact.
For example, this amber ball was probably hanging around the priest's neck. Presumably it contained tobacco. The tunnel itself was glittering with gold. The inside was covered with small pieces of pyrite, which looks like a precious metal.
Archaeologists have concluded that the tunnel was used before 250 AD.
During ceremonies in the tunnel, gifts were presented to various gods of the underworld and the main deity of the city - Quetzalcoatl.
The remains of about 30 remains of animals, mainly predators, such as jaguars and cougars, were found here. In addition, the remains of human hair and skin were found.
But most of all, the archaeologists were struck by the flowers. They dug up four bouquets that they used in rituals.
[Sergio Gomez, archaeologist]:
“The bouquets are beautifully preserved and you can see how they were connected. We even found the ropes with which we pulled them."
Teotihuacan is the same age as Ancient Rome. It flourished from about 100 BC to 550 AD. It was home to 200,000 residents, mostly living in tenement stone buildings decorated with colorful frescoes.