The so-called Aztec “death whistle” is an instrument distinguished by producing a chilling sound, comparable to a person’s blood-curdling scream, and has been the subject of study for its possible ritual uses and psychological effects on listeners. A recent analysis by the University of Zurich has revealed that these whistles can trigger an intense response […]
Pre-Columbian Era
The Pre-Columbian era refers to the time period in the Americas before significant European influence, specifically before Christopher Columbus’ arrival in 1492. It encompasses indigenous cultures and civilizations from around 15,000 BCE up until the early 16th century CE.
Posted inArchaeology, Pre-Columbian Era
The Construction of the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent in Teotihuacán Led to the Emergence of the Maya “Ajawtaak”
The influence of Teotihuacán on Maya civilization during the Early Classic period (150-600 AD) has been widely debated, particularly concerning its role in the rise of the ajawtaak or Maya lords. A recent study focused on the site of Tikal and Teotihuacán’s interactions in Mesoamerica suggests that the construction of the Pyramid of the Feathered […]
Posted inPre-Columbian Era
The New Fire Ceremony Practiced by the Mexica to Prevent the End of the World
Letting go of the old to enter the new year is a metaphorical custom that is quite rooted in some corners of Italy, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. In the transalpine country, and more specifically in places like Naples, Calabria, or Sicily, objects of all kinds (even furniture, for which there are specific hours ad hoc) […]
Posted inPre-Columbian Era
Piedras Negras, the City where the Inscriptions that Proved the Maya had Historical Records were Found
Seasoned travelers often say, not without reason, that Guatemala is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. A big part of it is thanks to marvelous sites like Lake Atitlán, the pools of Semuc Champey, Chichicastenango, Quetzaltenango (Xela), Izabal, or the abandoned city of Antigua. But also the splendid Mayan archaeological sites of […]
Posted inPre-Columbian Era, Science
Researchers Discover that Syphilis-like Diseases Were Widespread in the Americas Before Columbus’ Arrival
Scientists have made an amazing discovery that sheds new light on the history of an important disease. Researchers from the universities of Basel and Zurich in Switzerland found the genetic material of the pathogen Treponema pallidum in the bones of people who died in Brazil around 2,000 years ago. This is the oldest confirmed discovery […]
Posted inPre-Columbian Era
Through speed and skill, the Chasquis couriers linked all corners of the Inca Empire
Similar to what happened before with Rome and later with the famous Pony Express in the American Far West, the expansion of the Inca Empire owed much to the development of an extraordinary road network that facilitated communication between different points of Tahuantisuyo and Cuzco with astonishing speed, allowing for prompt action. However, in the […]
