Aztec Temples

The Aztecs were rather religious in nature. This term is used in reference to the ethnic groups of people that lived in the central parts of Mexico. These groups of people were particularly dominant during the 14th, 15th and the 16th century. Aztec temples are known for their architecture and they take the shape of a pyramid. Aztec pyramids were part of Aztec temples. Here we look at a couple of Aztec temples.

Aztec Temples

Aztec temples were built to worship the various Aztec gods. An Aztec temple was built in the form of a step pyramid. There were two staircases within an Aztec pyramid. Each staircase led to two different shrines. The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice to honor the Aztec gods. Human sacrifice was performed inside the Aztec temples.

Templo Mayor

Templo Mayor was completed in the year 1497 and it housed the gods Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc. The height of the temple was 197 feet and the materials that were used were stones covered with stucco and polychrome paint. Templo Mayor was located in the city of Tenochtitlan, present-day Mexico City. During the rainy season, Templo Mayor would often sink and needed to be repaired very often.

Huitzilopochtli, known as the "Hummingbird of the South", was the god of war, while Tlaloc was the god of fertility and rain. Human sacrifice was the main ritual of this Aztec temple. The historical evidences reveal thousands of human beings were sacrificed at the time of completion of the temple. Evidences show Templo Mayor represented the "Hill of Coatepec", where Huitzilopochtli was born.

Temple of the Sun and the Moon Gods (Teotihuacán)

This pyramid temple was not build by the Aztecs. However, it is believed Teotihuacán temple architecture inspired the Aztecs. This temple houses the Sun and the Moon gods. The height of the pyramid of the Sun god is 215 feet, while that of the Moon god is 138 feet. It is believed this temple was plastered and was painted in bright red color. The pyramid temple of the Sun god was built on a lava tube cave. Chalchihuitlicue, or the Sun god, was also known as the goddess of lakes and streams. Tlaloc, the god of fertility and rain, was also known as the Moon god.

Other Aztec Temples

There are many Aztec temples that are known for their architecture magnificence. The temple of Cholula, also known as the Great Pyramid of Cholula, is the "largest pyramid" by volume in the world. It is also one of the largest monuments ever constructed.

The temples that were discovered in the city of Teotenanglo are known as the mountain temples. The reason is they were carved on the side of the mountains. There are historical evidences to prove human sacrifice was one of the rituals followed till late 19th century.

The other Aztec temples that are worth mentioning and known for their architectural marvel are Teopanzolco and Xochicalco. Spanish churches replaced many of the Aztec temples, when Mexico was conquered by Spain in the 16th century.