Alfonso Caso in the Google doodle: who was he and why is he being honored? | Latest | | ANSWERS

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The Google doodle for this Thursday, February 1, is dedicated to the Mexican archaeologist and professor Alfonso Caso. He is known for excavating the site of Tomb Seven at Monte Albán, one of the richest archaeological finds of all time.

According to Google, Caso attended what is now known as the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where he obtained a law degree. While studying there, he helped found the “Society of Conferences and Concerts” of Mexico City, which promoted student participation in cultural activities. After graduating, he went on to teach at that university.

In his free time, Caso frequently visited the pre-Columbian archaeological sites of Xochicalco. He became fascinated with Mexico’s past and took more classes on the subject. After earning a master’s degree in Philosophy at age 29, Caso decided to focus on archeology as a career. His rigorous interpretation methods earned the respect of his fellow faculty and he quickly became the leading voice in archeology at the university.

Caso headed UNAM’s archeology department and later became director of its museum. He began leading excavations throughout the country, including the ancient Zapotec site at Monte Albán. After analyzing funerary offerings at the iconic Tomb Seven (known to be one of the richest burial sites ever found), Caso formed a rough chronology of Monte Albán’s history dating back to the 8th century.

After writing books about his findings and methods, Caso returned to the field. He began to focus on the Mixetecas, an indigenous people who lived in Mexico. He discovered sites throughout the country in Yucuita, Yucuñudahui and Monte Negro. Based on his previous findings, Caso was finally able to decipher the Mixtec writings: an astonishing achievement in archaeology!

Caso served as Director of the Mexican government’s National Institute of Indigenous Affairs for 30 years. He was a member of the United States National Academy of Sciences and the American Philosophical Society.