The Aztecs were an ethnic group with a wealthy mythological and cultural heritage, who lived within the Mexican valley between the 12th and 16th century AD. An extremely religious race, they believed extensively in the practice of human sacrifice. Their architectural magnificence reflected the values and beliefs that existed in those times.
Aztec architecture is best described as colossal, intending primarily to reveal their power, while simultaneously sticking with strong religious beliefs. Mainly influenced by the Toltecs of Cohuacan, the Tepanecs of Atzcapotzalco, and also the Acolhuas of Tetzcoco, the Aztecs relied on their architecture to endorse their military strength. Essentially the most wonderful aspects of it had been the impressive Aztec pyramids, which were built so as to worship their many deities and most importantly, to offer human sacrifices. According to their beliefs, human sacrifices were essential to repay God's blessings, and it was conducted periodically. Essentially sun and moon worshippers, the pyramids had been positioned incredibly 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 source of life-sustaining water and fertility, and they had been also regarded as as abodes of ancestral spirits, due to the fact most significant individuals were buried inside them.
The Great Pyramid In Tenochtitlan
The capital of the Aztec empire was Tenochtitlan, an overwhelming city, where by far the most impressive 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 four step-like platforms built on top of each other, and they related to the 4 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 visual appeal of most temples was similar due to its symmetrical terraces and steep steps with decorative balustrades, rising from the center and pointing towards the heavens. Serpent heads made of stone had been considerably placed at the end of the stairs, chiefly to keep away bad spirits. The wide platform itself was decorated with sculpted stone blocks and human skulls. The temples plus the staircase generally 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 sized structures associated with the temple formed a closely placed complex formation around its base.
Yet another stunning characteristic of the Aztec pyramid temple is the stone-representation of an eagle that's considered to be the kind of Huitzilopochtli-Tonatiuh, as could be observed 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 show how these temples were the main centers of the Aztecs, since it was here that the majority of their myths came to life via the method of sophisticated rituals. The Great Pyramid, one of the finest testaments of Aztec architecture, was destroyed in 1521, along with the whole Aztec empire, by the Spanish conquistador Hernn Corts.
Aztec architecture is best described as colossal, intending primarily to reveal their power, while simultaneously sticking with strong religious beliefs. Mainly influenced by the Toltecs of Cohuacan, the Tepanecs of Atzcapotzalco, and also the Acolhuas of Tetzcoco, the Aztecs relied on their architecture to endorse their military strength. Essentially the most wonderful aspects of it had been the impressive Aztec pyramids, which were built so as to worship their many deities and most importantly, to offer human sacrifices. According to their beliefs, human sacrifices were essential to repay God's blessings, and it was conducted periodically. Essentially sun and moon worshippers, the pyramids had been positioned incredibly 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 source of life-sustaining water and fertility, and they had been also regarded as as abodes of ancestral spirits, due to the fact most significant individuals were buried inside them.
The Great Pyramid In Tenochtitlan
The capital of the Aztec empire was Tenochtitlan, an overwhelming city, where by far the most impressive 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 four step-like platforms built on top of each other, and they related to the 4 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 visual appeal of most temples was similar due to its symmetrical terraces and steep steps with decorative balustrades, rising from the center and pointing towards the heavens. Serpent heads made of stone had been considerably placed at the end of the stairs, chiefly to keep away bad spirits. The wide platform itself was decorated with sculpted stone blocks and human skulls. The temples plus the staircase generally 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 sized structures associated with the temple formed a closely placed complex formation around its base.
Yet another stunning characteristic of the Aztec pyramid temple is the stone-representation of an eagle that's considered to be the kind of Huitzilopochtli-Tonatiuh, as could be observed 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 show how these temples were the main centers of the Aztecs, since it was here that the majority of their myths came to life via the method of sophisticated rituals. The Great Pyramid, one of the finest testaments of Aztec architecture, was destroyed in 1521, along with the whole Aztec empire, by the Spanish conquistador Hernn Corts.
About the Author:
The writer is interested in Aztec history and has a complete webpage featuring the Aztecs. There you are able to obtain details about Aztecs such as this article. For more of Aztec history, see aztec .
