The Aztecs were an ethnic group with a wealthy mythological and cultural heritage, who lived in the Mexican valley between the 12th and 16th century AD. An really spiritual race, they believed substantially in the practice of human sacrifice. Their architectural magnificence reflected the values and beliefs that existed in those occasions.
Aztec architecture is best described as colossal, intending mainly to reveal their power, while at the same time adhering to strong religious beliefs. Chiefly influenced by the Toltecs of Cohuacan, the Tepanecs of Atzcapotzalco, along with the Acolhuas of Tetzcoco, the Aztecs relied on their architecture to endorse their military strength. Probably the most remarkable aspects of it had been the wonderful Aztec pyramids, which had been designed in order to worship their various deities and most importantly, to offer human sacrifices. Based on their beliefs, human sacrifices had been essential to pay back God's blessings, and it was carried out periodically. Basically 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 on top of the corresponding pyramid. These pyramids also symbolized mountains, a supply 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 had been buried within them.
The Great Pyramid In Tenochtitlan
The capital of the Aztec empire was Tenochtitlan, an amazing city, where probably the most impressive and breathtaking Aztec architecture, The Great Pyramid rose majestically, 60m above the city. The pyramid was a colossal construction, 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 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 overall look of most temples was similar resulting from its symmetrical terraces and steep steps with ornamental balustrades, rising from the centre and pointing towards the heavens. Serpent heads produced of stone had been substantially positioned at the end of the stairs, chiefly to ward away evil spirits. The wide platform itself was decorated with sculpted stone blocks and human skulls. The temples and 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 made use of bas-reliefs, walls, plazas and platforms successfully to represent their gods. Other smaller sized structures linked with the temple formed a closely placed complicated formation around its base.
Yet another striking characteristic of the Aztec pyramid temple is the stone-representation of an eagle that's deemed to be the form of Huitzilopochtli-Tonatiuh, as 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 reveal how these temples were the main centers of the Aztecs, as it was here that the majority of their myths came to life through the method of intricate rituals. The Great Pyramid, one of the finest testaments of Aztec architecture, was destroyed in 1521, as well as the whole Aztec empire, by the Spanish conquistador Hernn Corts.
Aztec architecture is best described as colossal, intending mainly to reveal their power, while at the same time adhering to strong religious beliefs. Chiefly influenced by the Toltecs of Cohuacan, the Tepanecs of Atzcapotzalco, along with the Acolhuas of Tetzcoco, the Aztecs relied on their architecture to endorse their military strength. Probably the most remarkable aspects of it had been the wonderful Aztec pyramids, which had been designed in order to worship their various deities and most importantly, to offer human sacrifices. Based on their beliefs, human sacrifices had been essential to pay back God's blessings, and it was carried out periodically. Basically 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 on top of the corresponding pyramid. These pyramids also symbolized mountains, a supply 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 had been buried within them.
The Great Pyramid In Tenochtitlan
The capital of the Aztec empire was Tenochtitlan, an amazing city, where probably the most impressive and breathtaking Aztec architecture, The Great Pyramid rose majestically, 60m above the city. The pyramid was a colossal construction, 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 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 overall look of most temples was similar resulting from its symmetrical terraces and steep steps with ornamental balustrades, rising from the centre and pointing towards the heavens. Serpent heads produced of stone had been substantially positioned at the end of the stairs, chiefly to ward away evil spirits. The wide platform itself was decorated with sculpted stone blocks and human skulls. The temples and 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 made use of bas-reliefs, walls, plazas and platforms successfully to represent their gods. Other smaller sized structures linked with the temple formed a closely placed complicated formation around its base.
Yet another striking characteristic of the Aztec pyramid temple is the stone-representation of an eagle that's deemed to be the form of Huitzilopochtli-Tonatiuh, as 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 reveal how these temples were the main centers of the Aztecs, as it was here that the majority of their myths came to life through the method of intricate rituals. The Great Pyramid, one of the finest testaments of Aztec architecture, was destroyed in 1521, as well as 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 details about Aztecs such as pyramids of the aztecs. For more of Aztec history, see aztec history website .
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