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Phoenix, Arizona – The surrounding ruins of the Great Temple in Mexico City have yielded another amazing archaeological
discovery.
Archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) unveiled a circular platform of great
dimensions they estimate is about 500 years old.
The structure measures 15 meters in diameter and it is decorated with 19 sculptures of stone serpents. Archaeologists
believe the platform may be part of a cuauhxicalco —an altar-like stone vessel or ceremonial building— of the sacred
precinct of the Meshicas or Aztecs where tlatoanis or rulers were buried.
The finding took place in a lot in front of the ruins of the temple, where archaeologists have been doing excavations as part
of the ongoing Urban Archaeology Program (PAU).
The lot, known as "Manuel Gamio Plaza", is in the area located between the Cathedral, the ruins of the Great Temple and
several buildings from the colonial era.
INAH’s CEO Alfonso de Maria y Campos, informed that the pre-Hispanic circular structure is about 50 feet in diameter and
5 feet in height. It was found 16 feet deep in the ground.
The platform corresponds to a building stage of the Great Temple known as “IV B” (1469-1481), which was later
dismantled during construction works to expand the temple.
Maria y Campos said the finding is of great relevance since it will allow experts to come up with a new blueprint of
Tenochtitlan, as the Meshicas called their city.
Based on ancient chronicles, there were 78 building structures that made up the Meshicas sacred precinct. The discovery
is also expected to yield new data on the history, architecture, and rituals of the Meshica culture.
Archaeologist Raul Barrera, who is in charge of Urban Archeology Program, explained that on top of the circular structure
two stone plaques were found, which probably were previously built-in on the wall.
The platform was made up of tezontle —or volcanic rock— placed together with mud and with a stucco covering. It has 19
sculptures in the form of stone serpents, which were inserted as architectural decorations.
Copyright © 2011 Hispanic Institute of Social Issues
discovery.
Archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) unveiled a circular platform of great
dimensions they estimate is about 500 years old.
The structure measures 15 meters in diameter and it is decorated with 19 sculptures of stone serpents. Archaeologists
believe the platform may be part of a cuauhxicalco —an altar-like stone vessel or ceremonial building— of the sacred
precinct of the Meshicas or Aztecs where tlatoanis or rulers were buried.
The finding took place in a lot in front of the ruins of the temple, where archaeologists have been doing excavations as part
of the ongoing Urban Archaeology Program (PAU).
The lot, known as "Manuel Gamio Plaza", is in the area located between the Cathedral, the ruins of the Great Temple and
several buildings from the colonial era.
INAH’s CEO Alfonso de Maria y Campos, informed that the pre-Hispanic circular structure is about 50 feet in diameter and
5 feet in height. It was found 16 feet deep in the ground.
The platform corresponds to a building stage of the Great Temple known as “IV B” (1469-1481), which was later
dismantled during construction works to expand the temple.
Maria y Campos said the finding is of great relevance since it will allow experts to come up with a new blueprint of
Tenochtitlan, as the Meshicas called their city.
Based on ancient chronicles, there were 78 building structures that made up the Meshicas sacred precinct. The discovery
is also expected to yield new data on the history, architecture, and rituals of the Meshica culture.
Archaeologist Raul Barrera, who is in charge of Urban Archeology Program, explained that on top of the circular structure
two stone plaques were found, which probably were previously built-in on the wall.
The platform was made up of tezontle —or volcanic rock— placed together with mud and with a stucco covering. It has 19
sculptures in the form of stone serpents, which were inserted as architectural decorations.
Copyright © 2011 Hispanic Institute of Social Issues
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Archaeologists find a circular structure in front of the ruins of the Great Temple.
BARRIOZONA Magazine
October 6, 2011
October 6, 2011
Aztec Ruins in Mexico City Continue to Yield Amazing New
Discoveries
Discoveries