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The Great TempleThe Religious Center in Mexico Through the CenturiesTemplo Mayor was once the center of Aztec culture, located in what is now the center of Mexico City. More than 6000 Aztec artifacts have been discovered at Templo Mayor since 1978, when construction workers first discovered the site. It's near the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is next to the Palacio Nacional. The site has had a succession of important structures built on it, beginning with the Aztec Templo Mayor, then later pyramids, and now of course relatively modern-day buildings we see in Mexico City, still the seat of power in the region. When the Spanish arrived in the 1500s, the second stage of development was all that was visible, and the Aztec Templo Mayor was already buried under the new generation of ceremonial structures: the newer pyramids. Even at this time, in 1521, it was still the center of religious life, upon which 300,000 people focused their spiritual aspirations. HighlightsThe ruins now visible and open to the public include the Aztec Altar of Skulls, or Tzompantli. This is a common Aztec and Maya theme. You can also see paintings and carvings on some of the ruins. You can also see just remains of the great pyramids that were there before the one great pyramid was built over them, which is what was visible when the Spaniards arrived. Museo del Templo MayorTo get a better idea of the scale and complexity of the site in its original state, visit the Museo del Templo Mayor. Here is where most of the artifacts have wound up, along with a scale model of Templo Mayor showing layers of construction and the city's size as well. The original discovery is here, too: the stone of the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui. The many many rooms and different levels contain hundreds of masks, jewelry, tools, you name it. One of the most beautiful and impressive pieces is a mask made of jade and obsidian. Also make sure to se the life-sized terra cotta figures of eagle warriors, or guerreros águilas. TipsThe museum has an admission fee, less than $4, and a video camera fee, about the same price as the admission fee. You can't take flash pictures. |
•Mexico Ancient Ruins &Culture |
