Reinterpreting the Plaza de los Glifos, la Ventilla, Teotihuacan

A reinterpretation of the Plaza de los Glifos at Teotihuacan's La Ventilla residential area (ca. 300–450 CE) challenges prior assumptions about its glyphs, suggesting they primarily depict disease-causing entities and curing rituals rather than toponyms or titles. Central to this proposal is the identification of two 'deer-snake' glyphs—a supernatural creature linked to ailments across Mesoamerica—alongside other signs that align with historical concepts of illness and healing. The study combines a meticulous review of existing interpretations, glyphic writing systems, and linguistic hypotheses about Teotihuacan, offering new insights into the cultural and symbolic significance of this unique archaeological site.

Nielsen, J., & Helmke, C. (2011). REINTERPRETING THE PLAZA DE LOS GLIFOS, LA VENTILLA, TEOTIHUACAN. Ancient Mesoamerica, 22(2), 345–370. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0956536111000289