The Casas Grandes Meteorite

Mysteries of the Borderlands

What?

A meteorite composed of almost pure iron weighing two tons crashed into northern Mexico with a fascinating pattern known as Widmanstätten.

Discovered in an archaeological context at the ancient ceremonial community of Paquimé, it was found in an elevated position in the middle of the room believed to be a temple.

The meteorite was wrapped in a cloth and surrounded by mummies also carefully enveloped in the same cloth as the rock from outer space that survived the passage into Earth’s atmosphere.

Where?

It landed at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquimé (Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico)

 

The meteorite is now located in Washington, D.C. at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

When?

It is estimated to have fallen to the surface of Earth eight centuries ago (1200s-1300s) and was encountered in the mid-1800s by Teodoro Alvarado who was digging a semi-subterranean religious complex similar to the kivas of the American Southwest. The arrival of the meteorite coincided with the timeline of the founding of Paquimé.

Why is this important?

According to archaeologist Carlos Caraveo’s theory, the meteorite may have had enormous cultural importance for the ancient population of Paquimé centuries ago to the extent that perhaps it was the reason for the founding of that ancient civilization.

More enigmas

There are many mysteries surrounding Paquimé and this meteorite may be a possible key answer. Paquimé thrived between 1250-1450, a period characterized by wars in many parts of the region of what is now the borderlands.

The ceremonial center was situated on a plain, an indefensible place with scattered buildings, and open squares without defensive fortifications. Apparently, it’s people did not believe that someone could attack them.

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