Aztec ball court and temple found behind Mexico City’s cathedral

The underground excavations reveal a section of what was the foundation of a massive, circular-shaped temple dedicated to the Aztec wind god Ehecatl. (REUTERS Henry Romero)

Some of the original white stucco remains visible on parts of the temple, built during the 1486-1502 reign of Aztec Emperor Ahuizotl, predecessor of Moctezuma. (REUTERS Henry Romero)

Archaeologist Raul Barrera shows to the media a new Aztec discovery a ritual ball court in the heart of downtown Mexico City. (REUTERS Henry Romero)

A model of the major structures of the ceremonial precinct of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, including the temple to the wind god and ball court, as seen outside the ruins of the Templo Mayor in downtown Mexico City. (REUTERS Henry Romero)

A new Aztec discovery of the remains of the main temple of the wind god Ehecatl, a major deity, is seen during a tour of the area, located just off the Zocalo plaza in the heart of downtown Mexico City. (REUTERS Henry Romero)

The building would have stood out because of its round shape among the several dozen other square temples. (REUTERS Henry Romero)

Eduardo Matos Moctezuma, an archaeologist from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). (REUTERS Henry Romero )

Diego Prieto, director of the Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). (REUTERS Henry Romero)