Aztec palace discovered in Mexico: 12-06-2008
Mexican archaeologists have discovered the remains of an Aztec palace in downtown Mexico City.
The palace is believed to have belonged to the emperor Montezuma and was discovered during a renovation project on a Colonial-era building that now houses the Museum of Culture.
The palace, known as Casas Nuevas, is thought to comprise of five buildings containing the emperor's office, chambers for his family and even a zoo, reports the International Herald Tribune.
The Spanish conquistadors are believed to have built Mexico City using Aztec buildings as foundations.
The leader of the archaeology team who made the find, Elsa Hernandez, said they had long suspected the palace may be in the vicinity and was delighted when the discovery confirmed those suspicions.
It's "another piece of a puzzle; we hope to find several pieces", she said.
Montezuma ruled the Aztecs when Cortes attacked the area in 1519 and died soon after being taken captive.
Budding Indiana Joneses looking for archaeological adventure travels may opt for Mexico, and with its many Aztec sites, some may even find Aztec gold.