Ancient turkey eggs found in Mexico reveals that humans began domesticating the birds some 1,500 years earlier than Columbus' Thanksgiving. This new evidence is considered to be the earliest ever found.

These fragile specimens were uncovered by a team of archaeologists from Chicago's Field Museum, from a site in Oaxaca, in southwest Mexico. The team suggests that these eggs were considered as precious offerings during rituals.

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According to archaeologist Gary Feinman from the Field Museum, analysis reveals that turkeys had been domesticated around 400 to 500 C.E. This new data confirms turkey domestication during this time.

The Oaxaca site used to be the home of the Zapotec people. Numerous artifacts have been found at this site. The Zapotecs are considered as the predominant indigenous group that thrived in the Oaxaca Valey in the 1^st century.

Feinman and his team did not find the eggs cracked and scattered on the ground, but they were carefully placed inside a clutch. Researchers say that this indicates the important historical use of turkeys in this region.

Unlike those in the United States, especially during the First Thanksgiving, the turkeys of the ancient Zapotec civilization were eaten along with dogs. Eurasians may have more choices of meat sources from domesticated animals, but the Zapotecs have only limited meat sources.

Now, Oaxaca people have incorporated beef, pork, and chicken into their diet. These animals were first introduced by Spanish colonizers. However, the turkey's remains relevant in indigenous Zapotec culture.

Researchers noted that turkeys have a history in the regions since they are a crucial part of rituals and economic trade. They are raised not only to be eaten but to be also given away as gifts for feasts like birthdays, weddings, baptisms, and other religious festivals.

This new discovery was featured in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.