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What’s the most interesting fact you’ve come across about the Aztecs (4) asked Witham Hall Prep School. Read what Dr. Frances Karttunen had to say.

IN THE NEWS: ancient dogs

Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered the mummified remains of more than 40 dogs buried with blankets and food alongside their human masters, according to a BBC News Report (23/9/06) (Written/compiled by Ian Mursell/Mexicolore)

Picture from BBC report: click on BBC story below to see enlarged image

‘Experts say the dogs’ treatment in death indicated the belief that the animals had an afterlife. Such a status for pets has only previously been seen in ancient Egypt.’ In fact the Aztecs and other peoples from pre-Hispanic Mexico believed very much in an afterlife for dogs...

Picture from National Geographic report by Dody Fugate: click on link below to see enlarged image

Recent research from south-west United States (2008) suggests that the practice of burying dogs as divine ‘escorts’ was far more widespread among ancient Americans than previously thought - indeed: ‘The earlier the [human] burial, the more likely you are to have dog in it,’ according to Dody Fugate, an assistant curator at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, who conducted the research.

More on Aztec dogs

BBC News feature on mummified Peruvian dogs

Read the National Geogaphic report on buried dogs (April 2008)

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