The Aztecs had been an ethnic group with a wealthy mythological and cultural heritage, who lived within the Mexican valley between the 12th and 16th century AD. An particularly religious race, they believed substantially in the practice of human sacrifice. Their architectural grandeur mirrored the values and beliefs that existed in those times.
Aztec architecture is best described as colossal, intending chiefly to reveal their power, while at the same time sticking to robust religious beliefs. Chiefly influenced by the Toltecs of Cohuacan, the Tepanecs of Atzcapotzalco, plus the Acolhuas of Tetzcoco, the Aztecs relied on their architecture to promote their military strength. The most amazing aspects of it had been the superb Aztec pyramids, which had been designed as a way to worship their several deities and above all, to offer human sacrifices. In accordance with their beliefs, human sacrifices were essential to pay back God's blessings, and it was conducted regularly. Basically 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, considering the fact that most significant persons were buried inside them.
The Great Pyramid In Tenochtitlan
The capital of the Aztec empire was Tenochtitlan, an amazing city, where the most amazing and breathtaking Aztec architecture, The Great Pyramid rose majestically, 60m above the city. The pyramid was a huge construction, 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 main 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 because of its symmetrical terraces and steep steps with decorative balustrades, rising from the centre and pointing towards the heavens. Serpent heads created of stone were considerably positioned at the end of the stairs, chiefly to ward away bad spirits. The wide platform itself was adorned with sculpted stone blocks and human skulls. The temples as well as the staircase constantly faced the western direction. Flat plateaus or sacrificial blocks had been built on the top of the pyramids, with an adjacent chamber for the idol and an antechamber for the priest. The Aztecs utilized bas-reliefs, walls, plazas and platforms effectively to represent their gods. Other smaller sized structures related with the temple formed a closely placed complicated formation around its base.
An additional impressive characteristic of the Aztec pyramid temple is the stone-representation of an eagle that's considered to be the type of Huitzilopochtli-Tonatiuh, as could be noticed on temples at Tepoztlan, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent in Xochicalco, the round temple of Cempoala, and also the temple of Ehecatl in Calixtlahuaca.
Archaeology and historical records reveal how these temples were the primary centers of the Aztecs, since it was here that the majority of their myths came to life via the procedure of elaborate rituals. The Great Pyramid, one of the finest testaments of Aztec architecture, was destroyed in 1521, together with the whole Aztec empire, by the Spanish conquistador Hernn Corts.
Aztec architecture is best described as colossal, intending chiefly to reveal their power, while at the same time sticking to robust religious beliefs. Chiefly influenced by the Toltecs of Cohuacan, the Tepanecs of Atzcapotzalco, plus the Acolhuas of Tetzcoco, the Aztecs relied on their architecture to promote their military strength. The most amazing aspects of it had been the superb Aztec pyramids, which had been designed as a way to worship their several deities and above all, to offer human sacrifices. In accordance with their beliefs, human sacrifices were essential to pay back God's blessings, and it was conducted regularly. Basically 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, considering the fact that most significant persons were buried inside them.
The Great Pyramid In Tenochtitlan
The capital of the Aztec empire was Tenochtitlan, an amazing city, where the most amazing and breathtaking Aztec architecture, The Great Pyramid rose majestically, 60m above the city. The pyramid was a huge construction, 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 main 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 because of its symmetrical terraces and steep steps with decorative balustrades, rising from the centre and pointing towards the heavens. Serpent heads created of stone were considerably positioned at the end of the stairs, chiefly to ward away bad spirits. The wide platform itself was adorned with sculpted stone blocks and human skulls. The temples as well as the staircase constantly faced the western direction. Flat plateaus or sacrificial blocks had been built on the top of the pyramids, with an adjacent chamber for the idol and an antechamber for the priest. The Aztecs utilized bas-reliefs, walls, plazas and platforms effectively to represent their gods. Other smaller sized structures related with the temple formed a closely placed complicated formation around its base.
An additional impressive characteristic of the Aztec pyramid temple is the stone-representation of an eagle that's considered to be the type of Huitzilopochtli-Tonatiuh, as could be noticed on temples at Tepoztlan, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent in Xochicalco, the round temple of Cempoala, and also the temple of Ehecatl in Calixtlahuaca.
Archaeology and historical records reveal how these temples were the primary centers of the Aztecs, since it was here that the majority of their myths came to life via the procedure of elaborate rituals. The Great Pyramid, 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 enthusiastic about Aztec history and has a full webpage featuring the Aztecs. There you could find information about Aztecs which includes pyramids of the aztecs. For more of Aztec history, see aztec empire history .
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