Ruins of ancient homes reveal clues to Mexico's past

Spectacular sites such as the towering pyramids at Chichen Itza or the temple complex of Uxmal are often on the to-do list of those planning an adventure holiday in Mexico.

But now, the country's archaeologists are getting excited about a discovery which, on the surface, may appear a lot more ordinary but could potentially provide an insight into Mexico's pre-Hispanic past.

The building of a road just outside the capital Mexico City at a spot known as Amecameca has led to the discovery of the remnants of an ancient neighbourhood.

It is believed that the residential area was built by one of the still-unnamed cultures that populated the Valley of Mexico long before the Aztecs appeared in the area in 1325, reports the Associated Press.

Until now, while there have been plenty of discoveries relating to religious or ceremonial centres, like that at the famous Chichen Itza, little has been known about how Mexico's ancient inhabitants lived their day-to-day lives.

"What makes this important is that it is a residential area, not a ceremonial or religious site," said Felipe Echenique, a historian for the National Institute of Anthropology and History, or INAH, which is in charge of reviewing the site.

"In Mexico, we really have very little evidence of how the cities really were, or how people lived," said Echenique, who was not involved in the dig but is familiar with preliminary findings.

So far, only about 120 square metres of an estimated five-acre site have been excavated.

"In what has been excavated so far ... there some strange settlement patterns that are emerging," said Echenique.

Mexico, with its Aztec and Mayan past, is a great overland adventure destination for anyone interested in ancient history.

However, the bustling culture of cities such as the capital Mexico City, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of exotic food and drink to get stuck into, the country offers something for everyone.