Finding evidence of an ancient platform through magnetometry in Huexotla, Central Mexico

Abstract

The archaeological zone of Huexotla, east of Mexico Basin, was part of the Acolhuacan lordship, associated to the Mexica domain in the Postclassical period. In this site, several structures have been partially explored, some of which are open to the public. Recent explorations led to the hypothesis that the structures of La Estancia, the Wall and the Community were part of a more complex space that formed the Sacred Precinct of the city. In order to test this postulate, magnetometry was conducted in three areas of the site. By processing Total Field and Vertical Gradient magnetic data, we were able to identify and understand the distribution of underground features like walls, floors and platforms, aiding in the determination of potential excavation areas. Processing the magnetic data with the application of the analytic signal operator allowed more information to be acquired for the recognition of structures of interest. The geophysical results were correlated with the outcomes of archaeological excavations in three structures, confirming the existence of architectural patterns that were not previously detected and supporting the thesis proposed for the ceremonial enclosure.