In December 2007, there have been collections of interesting headlines that have piqued the interest of the public, ranging from the ancient pyramids to the mysteries of the past. In this article, we will take a look at a new pyramid discovery; an odd practice brewing in Egypt; and a lesser-known drink of ancient Pueblo Indians.
Ancient Pyramid Found in Central Mexico
The ruins of an Aztec pyramid aged 800 years old has been discovered in the center of Mexico, as archeologists believe that they can now date the ancient city at least a century older than previous calculations. The ruins measure 36 feet in the air, located in the central Tlatelolco region, which once served as a prominent center for religion and politics for the elite Aztec community.
When the last discovery of a different pyramid at the same site about 15 years ago led historians to believe that the Aztecs founded Tlatelolco in 1325 , the same year that Tenochtitlan (considered its twin city) was founded close by. So far, one of the most significant finds of this new pyramid is the stairs. Another discovery that archeologists are excited about involves a sculpture depicting the Aztec rain god named Tlaloc (better known as the god of the sky). Five skulls and a collection of rooms located near the pyramid have also been uncovered during the dig.
The Copyrighting of Pyramids?
In an odd twist in copyrighting law, themed resorts stretching across the world may have to pay royalties to the country of Egypt when they pass a law that requires compensation whenever their ancient monuments (ranging from the pyramids to the sphinx) are reproduced. This all comes at the hands of Zahi Hawass , the head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities who has already gained a controversial reputation.
This significant move comes in an attempt to find a way to pay for the upkeep of the thousands of pharaoh-related sites scattered about the country. The new law will deal with the prohibition of duplicating any of the historic monuments in Egypt that the Supreme Council dubs a 100% copy.
The Native Americans Special Brew
A new study emerged in December that suggested that the ancient Pueblo Indians brewed their own version of corn beer , shattering the claims that they were first introduced to alcohol upon encountering the Europeans. In recent times, archeologists discovered potsherds that were 800 years old. They belonged to the Pueblos of the American Southwest where bits and pieces of fermented residue in beer generation.
“Dinosaur Mummy” Found
Scientists have uncovered a rather impressive preserved specimen of a dinosaur, which is being called a “mummy” that dates back 67 million years ago. The hadrosaur (which was given the name of Dakota) was found with most of its tissues and bones still found inside of an uncollapsed sheet of skin. This significant find sheds a better light on what the skin of these ancient creatures must have looked like and how fast they were able to move.