Construction workers in Aztec discover centuries-old bones

[Adsos Letter]

Source: The Daily Times
By James Monteleone

AZTEC — Archaeologists are excavating ancient human remains of at least seven people discovered during construction of the Aztec wastewater treatment plant.
Studying pottery and other artifacts found near the graves, scientists estimate the skeletons are at least 700 years old, and potentially older.

Further research likely will confirm the genders and ages of the dead and potentially a cause of death for some. Following the archaeological assessment, the remains and artifacts will return to a descendant tribe for reburial.

The remains first were found last week while construction crews were grading and removing dirt, although a preconstruction archaeological assessment of the site showed no indication of a burial ground. Crews noticed the bones while a dump truck was emptying its load.

The Aztec Police Department and state Office of the Medical Examiner initially treated the site as a crime scene before confirming the remains were ancient. Following the discovery, the site was turned over to the New Mexico Historic Preservation Office, which works with developers to ensure the burial ground is properly excavated.

http://www.daily-times.com/ci_11823169

[ZombieNixon]

1. Holy crap, I know that place.

Not too surprising they'd find more remains in Aztec, though. Aztec Ruins in an Ancestral Pueblo site that's often overlooked.

[newfie11]

2. Having lived in the Farmington/Aztec area I am not surprised

In fact you are apt to find pottery pieces in many places in NM. I remember as a kid living near Ambrosia Lake NM (north of Grants) and finding broken pottery pieces out in open range land. There very well might have been bones buried in the area to.