Teotihuacan symbols may represent lost writing system
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Magnus Pharao Hansen and Christopher Helmke, researchers from the University of Copenhagen, analysed markings found on artwork and pottery in the ancient city of Teotihuacan, Mexico.
The study suggests the symbols may constitute a previously unknown writing system used by the city’s inhabitants. Teotihuacan flourished from around 100 B.C. to 700 A.D. housing over 100,000 people at its height, but little is known about its culture or language.
The researchers examined logograms, symbols representing words or sounds, and found patterns that resemble early forms of language. They believe these symbols may represent an early form of Nahuatl, a language still spoken in parts of Mexico today, though they caution that modern Nahuatl will not fully unlock the meanings of the ancient symbols. This connection suggests Nahuatl-speaking peoples may have been present in central Mexico much earlier than previously thought, potentially linking them to the original population of Teotihuacan.
Despite the potential breakthrough, Hansen and Helmke acknowledge the evidence is currently limited. The researchers need to find more repeated symbols to confirm their theory and are planning workshops with other scholars to further investigate the findings. If validated, this discovery could provide insights into the culture of Teotihuacan and its relationship to the history of central Mexico.
