MEXICO CITY, Mexico — The excavated ruins of the Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, reveal its layered construction phases. This archaeological site in the heart of Mexico City showcases stone carvings, ceremonial offerings, and architectural elements that provide insights into Aztec religious practices and the city's complex history from pre-Hispanic times through the colonial era.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Templo Mayor site in Mexico City offers a fascinating glimpse into the Aztec civilization's religious and political center. Excavations have revealed seven major construction phases, each built atop the previous, spanning from around 1375 to 1521 AD. The temple's dual structure, dedicated to the rain god Tlaloc and the war god Huitzilopochtli, is evident in the ruins. Visitors can observe intricate stone carvings, including serpent heads and representations of deities like Coyolxauhqui. The site also features platforms, altars, and stairways that showcase the temple's imposing architecture. Informational panels throughout the site explain the temple's evolution, from its early stages under Aztec rule to its destruction following the Spanish conquest. The excavations have uncovered numerous ceremonial offerings, providing insights into Aztec religious practices and cosmology. The site's location in the heart of modern Mexico City underscores the layers of history present, from the pre-Hispanic era through the colonial period to the present day. The nearby museum houses artifacts found during excavations, complementing the on-site experience with additional context and preservation of smaller items. This archaeological site stands as a powerful reminder of Mexico's rich pre-Columbian heritage and the dramatic changes brought by the Spanish conquest, offering visitors a tangible connection to the country's complex history.
Size: 7360px × 4912px
Location: Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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