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| Templo Major, Mexico City |
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| The Templo Major in Tenochtitlan was the center of the Aztec universe. According to legend precisely here an eagle was spotted sitting on a cactus devouring a snake - symbol of the nation today. It had long been thought that all trace of this evil, twin pyramid of sacrifice had been destroyed after the conquest when the Spaniards built the cathedral nearby. However, it was rediscovered in 1978. Since then the pyramid is actually rising since heavier surrounding buildings are pushing the soft lake mud soil down.
We do not see today what the conquerors saw since the the temple was continually being rebuilt in stages usually when a new ruler ascended the throne. Stage two of at least five stages is what is visible now. Other buildings have been recovered as well. You can enter the enclosure and get a closeup view of the area surrounding the temple as part of the fee for touring the excellent museum behind. |
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| As you tour, excellent signs such as this explain what you are looking at in English as well as Spanish. | Looking north the temple of terrible war god Huitzilopochtli (Hummingbird) is the southerly temple first and that of the rain/agriculture god Tlaloc is second. Walkers on their way north up Argentina Street get this free glimpse of history. | From behind the templo looking southwest at the cathedral. |
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| Evidence of the detail of a tiny altar to one the lesser of the myriad of Aztec gods. | Well the temple must have been found before 1978 (and lost again) since there is a huge storm sewer/drain from the late 1800's running east-west just south of the temple. (looking east) | Looking southeast you can enter and self-tour one of the nicest old (government) buildings in town. |