In pictures: Relics discovered in Mexico's Teotihuacan Published duration 30 October 2014

Some 50,000 relics have been discovered in Mexico in the ancient city of Teotihuacan, Mexican archaeologists say.

The city, located about 50 km (30 miles) northeast of Mexico City, dominated central Mexico in pre-Columbian times.

image copyright AFP

The relics found include jewellery, seeds, animal bones and pottery like these human figurines.

image copyright AFP

The objects were found inside a sacred tunnel that was sealed about 1,800 years ago.

image copyright Reuters

The entrance of the tunnel was discovered in 2003 and its contents came to light after the archaeologists worked meticulously for nine years.

image copyright AFP

The researchers dug out mountains of dirt and rocks, using remote-control robots, and found zoomorphic vessels like this.

image copyright AFP

The artefacts, like these sea shells, were unearthed from about 18 metres (60 feet) below the Temple of the Plumed Serpent, the third largest pyramid at Teotihuacan.

image copyright AP

At the end of the tunnel, the archaeologists also discovered offerings just before three chambers, suggesting that the remains of city's ruling elite could be buried there.

image copyright EPA

Such a discovery could help shine light on the leadership structure of Teotihuacan, including whether rule was hereditary.