Madrid, May 15, 2026 – Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the conservative president of the Madrid region, today accused the Spanish and Mexican left of ‘twisting the history of Spain in Mexico,’ unequivocally stating, ‘Mexico did not exist until the Spanish arrived.’ Her remarks have ignited a fresh debate on the historical narrative of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic era and the Spanish Conquest.
Ayuso’s Challenge and the Huei Tzompantli
Díaz Ayuso challenged Mexico’s president to explain the archaeological findings beneath Guatemala Street 24 in Mexico City. She asserted that understanding these findings would clarify ‘what Mexico’s past was like before we united in mestizaje.’
The Madrid president suggested that ‘perhaps we should start asking for apologies for so much lying and so much grievance to live off poverty, which is what communism always does,’ implying that such narratives foster ‘distrust’ and ‘negative emotions,’ leaving people without ‘faith, nation, history, family, or property.’
What Lies Beneath Guatemala Street 24?
During excavations in 2015, near properties on the north side of Guatemala Street, it was discovered that remnants of an ancient Huei Tzompantli exist along the back (north) of the Metropolitan Cathedral. This discovery, currently closed to the public, is the finding to which Ayuso refers in defending her stance on pre-Conquest Mexican territory.
The Significance of the Huei Tzompantli
The Huei Tzompantli is what remains of an ancient ‘skull rack,’ or tzompantli. These structures were common in many ancient Mesoamerican cultures. Skulls of defeated warriors, sacrificial victims, and even defeated ballgame teams were displayed for ritualistic and triumphal purposes.
The name ‘tzompantli’ is Nahuatl, but it is widely used to refer to similar structures in societies of other language speakers, including the Maya and Toltec. The Huei Tzompantli, therefore, signifies the ‘Great’ or ‘Exonerated’ tzompantli, a fitting structure for the imperial capital.
Archaeological Discoveries and Historical Context
Skulls, once removed from temporary wooden displays that chronicled recent conquests or victories, were relocated to one or more giant skull towers on the north side of the ceremonial complex. Andrés de Tapia, a contemporary of Hernán Cortés, reportedly estimated the total number of skulls in the ceremonial tower of his time to be around 136,000.
Since formal excavations began in 2015, INAH researchers have regularly updated their findings. To date, a total of 650 skulls have been counted, including approximately 25% belonging to women and children. This finding was particularly surprising, as most skulls are typically those of military-aged males, believed to be soldiers and athletes.
Reactions and Broader Implications
Ayuso’s comments have sparked considerable debate, particularly given the ongoing discussions surrounding historical memory and colonial legacies in both Spain and Mexico. Her assertion that Mexico ‘did not exist’ before the Spanish arrival challenges contemporary understanding of indigenous civilizations and their complex societal structures.
The debate underscores the differing perspectives on historical events and the interpretation of cultural heritage. While some view the Spanish arrival as the genesis of modern Mexico, others emphasize the rich and sophisticated societies that thrived long before the European conquest.
The archaeological site beneath Guatemala Street 24 serves as a tangible link to this pre-Hispanic past, offering insights into the rituals and social practices of the Aztec civilization. The ongoing research at this site continues to shed light on a crucial period of Mexican history, providing evidence that predates the arrival of the Spanish.
This controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical narratives and the political implications of their interpretation in modern discourse. As excavations continue and new findings emerge, the understanding of Mexico’s ancient past will undoubtedly continue to evolve, fueling further discussions on identity, heritage, and nationhood.
