Archaeologists in Mexico have uncovered the remains of a pre-Hispanic ceremonial complex and a large carved stone monument in the state of Veracruz, revealing evidence of a previously unknown culture that flourished more than 1,400 years ago.
The discovery was made during an archaeological salvage project conducted by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in the San Lucas residential development area of Coatepec. Researchers believe the remains date to the Early Classic period, between AD 200 and 600.
Among the most significant finds is a rectangular platform measuring 30 metres long and 12 metres wide. Constructed from flagstones and finely worked white limestone, the structure features unusual decorative elements, including engraved geometric motifs and circular stones embedded along two of its sides.
According to archaeologists, these architectural features have never before been documented in the region.
Associated with the platform was a monolithic stone sculpture standing 1.88 metres high. The monument depicts a symbolic scene involving two elaborately dressed elite figures receiving a sacred fluid from a divine being positioned above them. Researchers noted that one of the individuals appears to display possible Mayan characteristics, suggesting cultural interactions across a wider area of Mesoamerica.
The sculpture and platform were both found in remarkably good condition. Conservation work has already begun on the monument, while the architectural remains will undergo restoration and stabilisation.
Excavations also uncovered a variety of ceremonial offerings, including charred maize remains, buried pottery vessels and a fragmented greenstone bead. The artefacts have been transferred for laboratory analysis and are being studied by an interdisciplinary team led by archaeologists Alberto Vázquez Domínguez and Lino Espinoza García of the INAH Veracruz Centre.
Mexico's Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, said the discovery highlights the country's rich archaeological heritage.
"Every structure, object and symbol that emerges from archaeological research reminds us that Mexico possesses one of the deepest and most diverse cultural heritages in the world," she said. "This discovery provides new knowledge about our past and reaffirms the importance of protecting heritage as a common good."
Although the region is often associated with the Totonac civilisation, researchers say there is currently no evidence linking the newly discovered remains to that culture. Instead, specialists suggest the site belonged to a local population that developed its own distinctive traditions while maintaining connections with other Gulf Coast groups.
The excavation is being carried out on a privately owned 12-hectare site that has been under archaeological investigation since late 2025. The project was approved after the use of the land was changed to residential development.
The fieldwork is expected to continue until August 2026, and analysis of the recovered materials is expected to be completed in early 2027.
The discovery is part of a wider research programme carried out by INAH Veracruz Centre around the nearby Campo Viejo archaeological site where excavations have been taking place since 2000. Archaeologists say the latest finds are yielding new insights into the social and cultural development of pre-Hispanic communities in central Veracruz.
Sources : INAH