Templo Mayor
Overview
The Templo Mayor was the main temple of the Mexica people, located in their capital city of Tenochtitlan, which is present-day Mexico City. The temple was dedicated to two deities, Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, and Tlaloc, the god of rain and agriculture, each of which had a shrine at the top of the pyramid with separate staircases. The temple, as well as the city of Tenochtitlan, were destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors under Hernán Cortés in 1521.
History
The Templo Mayor was constructed in 1325 and was the center of religious life for the Mexica people. The temple was expanded several times, with each successive Mexica ruler adding on to the temple's size and grandeur. The temple was a place of ritual sacrifice, and it was believed that the gods were nourished by human hearts. The most significant sacrificial rituals were carried out on the top of the Templo Mayor, where priests would offer human hearts to the gods.
Architecture
The Templo Mayor was a step pyramid with a double staircase leading to two shrines at the top, one for Huitzilopochtli and one for Tlaloc. The temple was approximately 60 meters high, and was adorned with complex carvings and reliefs depicting the gods and scenes from Mexica mythology. The base of the temple was approximately 80 by 100 meters. The temple was oriented towards the west, which had significant symbolic meaning in Mexica cosmology.
Archaeological Discoveries
The ruins of the Templo Mayor were rediscovered in the late 20th century, buried beneath Mexico City. Excavations have revealed a wealth of artifacts and remains, providing valuable insights into Mexica culture and religion. Among the most significant discoveries is a large stone disk depicting the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui, which was found at the base of the stairs of the Huitzilopochtli shrine.
Significance
The Templo Mayor was the most important temple in the Mexica empire, and its architecture and rituals reflect the central role of religion in Mexica society. The temple's dual dedication to the gods of war and rain reflects the Mexica's reliance on warfare and agriculture, and the belief in the need for human sacrifice to ensure the continued favor of the gods.