MEXICO CITY, Mexico — The excavated ruins of the Templo Mayor, the principal 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 cosmology.
Image details
Contributor:
David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2XYGTAXFile size:
103.4 MB (7.6 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
7360 x 4912 px | 62.3 x 41.6 cm | 24.5 x 16.4 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
11 January 2017Location:
Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Mexico City, MexicoMore information:
Photograph by David Coleman. The Templo Mayor site in Mexico City offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of the Aztec Empire. The excavated ruins reveal the temple's layered construction, with each phase built atop the previous, spanning several centuries of Aztec history. The exposed layers show the evolution of Aztec architectural and religious practices. Visitors can observe the different building materials and techniques used in each phase, from earlier, simpler constructions to later, more elaborate designs. Stone carvings scattered throughout the site depict Aztec deities, mythological scenes, and symbolic elements. These intricate sculptures provide valuable insights into Aztec religious iconography and artistic styles. Ceremonial offerings, carefully placed during various stages of the temple's construction, are visible in situ. These might include precious objects, animal remains, or human sacrificial remains, each telling a story about Aztec ritual practices and beliefs. The ruins also reveal architectural elements such as stairways, platforms, and the remains of smaller shrines or altars. The dual nature of the temple, dedicated to both Huitzilopochtli (god of war) and Tlaloc (god of rain), is evident in its layout. This archaeological site, situated in the bustling Centro Histórico of Mexico City, creates a striking juxtaposition of ancient and modern, allowing visitors to step back in time while surrounded by the vibrant life of the contemporary city.