Pre-Hispanic ossuary discovered during Mexico-Querétaro train construction

Archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have discovered a possible pre-Hispanic ossuary during construction work for the Mexico-Querétaro Train. The find was located 1.40 meters underground near the Buenavista terminal in Mexico City, in an area identified as the former Nonoalco calpulli.

The deposit contains nine sets of skeletal remains, including two skulls with cranial modifications, five mandibles, and various long bones such as femurs, radii, and tibias. Because the bones do not maintain anatomical connection, experts believe the site functioned as an ossuary, where remains from previous burials were relocated.

Alongside the human remains, researchers recovered domestic ceramics including plates, pots, and salt extraction vessels. Other artifacts include miniature spindle whorls, figurines, metate fragments, and green obsidian blades. Experts estimate the remains date to the Late Postclassic period (1200–1519 AD) or the early colonial era, with some ceramic fragments identified as belonging to the Aztec III culture.