Aztec Pyramids

By Eddie Montezuma - The Aztecs had been an ethnic group with a wealthy mythological and cultural heritage, who lived in the Mexican valley between the 12th and 16th century AD. 

An extremely spiritual race, they believed substantially in the practice of human sacrifice. Their architectural splendour mirrored the values and beliefs that existed in those occasions.

Aztec architecture is best described as colossal, intending primarily to manifest their power, while simultaneously sticking with sturdy religious beliefs. Primarily influenced by the Toltecs of Cohuacan, the Tepanecs of Atzcapotzalco, and the Acolhuas of Tetzcoco, the Aztecs relied on their architecture to promote their military strength.

The most astounding aspects of it had been the superb Aztec pyramids, which were designed in order to worship their different deities and most importantly, to offer human sacrifices. In accordance with their beliefs, human sacrifices were necessary to pay back God's blessings, and it was carried out occasionally.

Essentially sun and moon worshippers, the pyramids had been positioned extremely like a giant celestial calendar, and when the planets line up, it was possible to see the respective celestial body, when atop the corresponding pyramid. These pyramids also symbolized mountains, a supply of life-sustaining water and fertility, and they were also considered as abodes of ancestral spirits, since most significant persons had been buried inside them.

The Great Pyramid In Tenochtitlan

The capital of the Aztec empire was Tenochtitlan, an amazing city, where by far the most amazing and monumental Aztec architecture, The Great Pyramid rose majestically, 60m above the city. The pyramid was a huge structure, possessing a natural sense of order and geometrical symmetry.

It consisted of 4 step-like platforms constructed on top of one another, and they related to the four cardinal directions. Atop it was the primary temple of Tenochtitlan, which was devoted to Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and sun, and Tlaloc, the god of rain and fertility.

The Appearance Of Aztec Pyramids

A Serpent Head On Aztec Pyramid

The physical appearance of most temples was similar due to its symmetrical terraces and steep steps with ornamental balustrades, rising from the centre and pointing towards the heavens. Serpent heads made of stone had been significantly placed at the end of the stairs, chiefly to ward away bad spirits.

The wide platform itself was embellished with sculpted stone blocks and human skulls. The temples along with the staircase normally faced the western direction. Flat plateaus or sacrificial blocks were built on the top of the pyramids, with an adjacent chamber for the idol and an antechamber for the priest.

The Aztecs utilised bas-reliefs, walls, plazas and platforms successfully to represent their gods. Other smaller structures connected with the temple formed a closely placed complex formation around its base.

Another impressive feature of the Aztec pyramid temple is the stone-representation of an eagle that is considered to be the type of Huitzilopochtli-Tonatiuh, as could be seen on temples at Tepoztlan, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent in Xochicalco, the round temple of Cempoala, as well as the temple of Ehecatl in Calixtlahuaca.

Archaeology and historical records reveal how these temples were the main centers of the Aztecs, as it was here that most of their myths came to life through the method of elaborate rituals. The Great Pyramid, certainly one of the finest testaments of Aztec architecture, was destroyed in 1521, together with the whole Aztec empire, by the Spanish conquistador Hernn Corts.

About the Author:

The writer is interested in Aztec history and has a full website featuring the Aztecs. There you could obtain facts about Aztecs which includes pyramids of the aztecs. For more of Aztec history, see aztec empire history