Archaeologists in Mexico have uncovered ancient rock art during construction work linked to a major rail project, officials said.
The discovery was made as part of the Archaeological Salvage Project for the Mexico City–Querétaro passenger train, led by Mexico’s Ministry of Culture through the National Institute of Anthropology and History.
Researchers identified 16 graphic elements at a site known as El Venado, or Site 77, in the state of Hidalgo. The images appear on two cliffs near the Tula River and the La Requena Dam, close to the communities of San José Acoculco and Benito Juárez.
Figures reveal human and animal forms
The findings include both petroglyphs, carved into rock surfaces, and painted figures. Based on style, experts believe the artworks date from prehistoric times to the Postclassic period, between 900 and 1521 CE. Some faded images may be more than 4,000 years old.
Several figures show detailed human and animal forms. One image depicts a figure in profile holding a chimalli, a traditional shield, with a stepped design on the chest.
Another figure wears a headdress and round eye coverings similar to those linked with the rain god Tlaloc and appears to carry a macana, a wooden club.
Archaeologists found 16 petroglyphs and paintings in Hidalgo, Mexico some over 4,000 years old. The rail route was changed to protect the site, showing development and heritage can coexist.#Archaeology #Mexico #History #CulturalHeritage pic.twitter.com/QlOEv6ieYq
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) April 14, 2026
A third figure wears a feathered headdress and extends its limbs outward, with a circular object between the legs. Other images include a carved face with a nose ornament, a deer-like animal, and a white stripe created by removing pigment from a red background.
In the same shelter, researchers also found a red-painted human figure and shapes that may represent a serpent or a lightning bolt.
Styles suggest regional cultural links
Near the river, archaeologists recorded additional figures, including a deer and a complex human-like form with fangs, antennae, and bird-like legs.
Its features resemble artistic traditions linked to the Mogollon culture, suggesting possible cultural connections across regions. Another hybrid figure with a human face and animal-like legs may date to the period of Spanish contact.
Techniques and documentation support analysis
Preliminary analysis indicates that the paintings were made using mineral or plant-based pigments, while the carvings were created using a stippling technique. Researchers documented the site using photography and photogrammetry to support a detailed study and comparison with similar findings.
The site was first recorded in the 1970s during the Tula Archaeological Project led by Eduardo Matos Moctezuma. Archaeologists believe the placement of the images may reflect ritual or symbolic purposes, possibly linked to cosmology or timekeeping systems.
Rail route changed to protect the site
Officials adjusted the rail route in 2025 after Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, approved changes to protect the site. Experts said the artworks cannot be relocated.
The decision allowed construction to continue while preserving the remains, highlighting efforts to balance development with cultural heritage protection.
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