What structures did the Aztecs
Aztecs
The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican culture that flourished in central Mexico in the post-classic period from 1300 to 1521. The Aztec peoples included different ethnic groups of central Mexico, particularly those groups who spoke the Nahuatl language and who dominated large parts of Mesoamerica from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Aztec culture was organized into city-states, some of whi…
What were some major Aztec buildings?
The four main rooms of the Aztec emperors palace
- Reception area where the King entertained guests.
- The emperor’s room which would the largest and most extravagant room.
- Meeting room where the throne is located.
- Storage room which housed all the gifts given to the King
What buildings did the Aztecs use?
They had five different types of currency:
- Gold dust that they carried inside the rachis of duck feathers;
- Small cotton pieces named patolcuahtli;
- Cocoa beans;
- Small pieces of tin, and
- T-shaped pieces of copper known as axe-coins.
What were Aztec houses called?
What were 2 features of Aztec cities?
- Twin‐Temple Pyramids. …
- Multiple Small Altars. …
- Walled Ceremonial Precinct.
How did the Aztec build their temples?
What did the Aztecs use to build their temples? Each building and temple was built hand-by-hand and stone-by-stone. The masterpieces were the pyramid temples that had double staircases facing the sun on the west. Unlike the Egyptian pyramids, the Aztec pyramids were flat on top for sacrifices to be made to the god that the given temple was ...
What famous buildings did the Aztecs build?
Important Aztec City Buildings The city-state of Tenochtitlan was the capital of the Aztec Empire and thus it was here that the Aztecs built their most important buildings. This included various small and large temples, prostis, the ball game court, the eagle's house, and other Aztec buildings.
What were the Aztecs buildings called?
Aztec temples were usually found at the top of pyramids and they are often called temple-pyramids.
What was built by the Aztecs?
The Aztec built their capital city, Tenochtitlan, on Lake Texcoco. Built on two islands, the area was extended using chinampas—small, artificial islands created above the waterline that were later consolidated.
What houses did the Aztecs build?
Most simple Aztec homes were built of adobe bricks, which are made using mud, sand, water and straw, then dried in the sun. There were no windows generally, and one open door. Wood for door jambs and support beams could be found outside the cities.
Did Aztecs build pyramids?
Civilizations like the Olmec, Maya, Aztec and Inca all built pyramids to house their deities, as well as to bury their kings. In many of their great city-states, temple-pyramids formed the center of public life and were the site of holy rituals, including human sacrifice.
What architecture did the Aztecs use?
Aztec architecture is a late form of Mesoamerican architecture developed by the Aztec civilization. Much of what is known about it comes from the structures that are still standing. These structures have survived for several centuries because of the strong materials used and the skill of the builders.
How many temples did the Aztecs build?
Historians and archaeologists believe that there were as many as 78 different structures in the complex, with 36 of them being detected so far. Some of these were temples for the many Aztec gods, others were places related to human sacrifice rituals and some were civic buildings.
Who built the Aztec buildings?
BUILDING MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES The Aztecs were adept builders and craftsmen who used chisels, hard stones, and obsidian blades as tools. Many of the materials used were the same as those used for about two thousand years in the Mexican central valley.
What were Aztec palaces made of?
In contrast to the large stone temples, Aztec homes were primarily built from wood logs that were interlinked. They may have also used mud bricks (adobe).
Did the Aztecs built floating huts?
Chinampas were invented by the Aztec civilization. Sometimes referred to as "floating gardens," chinampas are artificial islands that were created by interweaving reeds with stakes beneath the lake's surface, creating underwater fences.
What did the Aztec use for shelter?
Adobe generally was the main component in the construction of Aztec homes. Adobe is a material made from blending both straw and sun-dried mud. The name translates to "dried brick" in Spanish. Flat, thatched-reed roofs frequently topped Aztec accommodations.
What type of shelters did Aztecs live in?
Common Aztec homes were made of adobe (sun dried brick made from adobe clay). The main area of the Aztec shelter was one room split up equally into four areas. There was an area for the whole family to sleep in, a family shrine where gods would be kept, a place where meals would be prepared, and then the eating area.
What were the Aztec buildings?
Aztec architecture of important buildings other than the pyramids, such as the palaces and other elite buildings , had diverse forms, ranging from rustic hunting lodges to the grand palace of Tenochtitlan. While the details varied, Aztec architecture of the palaces had large entry courtyards which served as a meeting place.
What is the Aztec architecture?
Aztec architecture, just like other components of Aztec society and culture, bore several influences from the previous Mesoamerican cultures. In addition to that, the Aztecs also added unique contributions to this architecture.
What are the main features of Aztec architecture?
The architecture of the city was influenced by cosmology, astronomy, and religion, with the temples and pyramids being the most dominant features of Aztec architecture. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
What was the Aztec city?
Aztec Architecture History. The Aztec’s built their city-state of Tenochtitlan in 1325 and continued to expand their power until the Aztec Empire was established in 1428. The history of Aztec architecture can be traced back to the classical Mesoamerican cultures since most of them influenced, in part, Aztec architecture.
What were the gardens in the Aztec palaces?
Gardens were also an essential feature of Aztec architecture of the palaces. Gardens and courtyards were also incorporated into the Aztec architecture of the homes of the nobles. Another important public place was the community plaza which served as a mega-courtyard for the community.
What was the Aztec civilization inspired by?
This architecture was inspired by the classical Mesoamerican ...
What were the Aztecs famous for?
The Aztecs are particularly famous for constructing pyramids with twin temples. This style was further divided into types. One was the construction of two exactly similar temples side by side and the other was the construction of a larger temple consisting of two small temples on the top.
What did the Aztecs use to build their buildings?
The Aztecs used a colorful and easy to cut volcanic stone called tezontle to form the base of their constructions. The Aztecs additionally used local stone materials like rubble and limestone that were found in the area, and these were often traded as well. Aztecs mostly carved their stones for decorations, giving their buildings ...
What was the Aztec architecture?
Aztec Architecture. Aztec architecture was simple and elegant, bold and powerful, and it mixed colours and symbols that helped created a unique style. The powerful and dominant temples were of course the masterpieces of the Aztec empire but there is much more to Aztec architecture than just these mighty temples.
What was the Aztec ball court called?
Aztec ball courts. Tlachco – Ball courts were L shaped. It is the location for ballgames which is the Aztecs main sport called tlachtli or ullamaliztli This was popular back in the Mesoamerican era but is still played today in some parts of Mexico.
What were the walls of the Aztec temples decorated with?
Inside these majestic Aztec temples, the walls were decorated with paint and statues. Their staircases comprised of 13 steps which had astronomical influence. At the end of these staircases were dragon like figures called stone serpents heads. They were commonly thought to have been built to ward off evil spirits.
What are the two capitals of Mexico?
The two capitals Tenochtitlan (Mexica) and Texcoco (Acolhua) formed the Valley of Mexico. Tenochtitlan was the main Aztec city, which was actually built on top of another city Teotihuacan. Tenochtitlan which roughly means ‘place of those who have the road of the gods’ was built around the 14th up to the 16th Century.
What are the most dominant pieces of architecture?
Of course, as we mentioned earlier the most dominant pieces of architecture are the temples of the Aztecs. These temples perfectly represent how the Aztecs architecture is powered by their desire to sacrifice to their gods and their religion and beliefs.
Which pyramids had double staircases?
These Aztec pyramids and temples always had double staircases that faced west towards the sun. The temples share similarities with the Egyptian pyramids but unlike Egyptian pyramids, the tops of the Aztec temples were flat.
What were the Aztec buildings?
Aztec architectural sites include Malinalco, Tenayuca, conquered by the Aztec circa 1434; the earliest known example of the typical Aztec double pyramid, which consists of joined pyramidal bases supporting two temples; and the Templo Mayor, the biggest building in the Aztec city Tenochtitlan .
What is Aztec architecture?
Aztec architecture is a late form of Mesoamerican architecture developed by the Aztec civilization. Much of what is known about it comes from the structures that are still standing. These structures have survived for several centuries because of the strong materials used and the skill of the builders.
What were the Aztec pyramids based on?
The style of early Aztec pyramids was adapted from those of Classic and other Postclassic Mesoamerican people. Aztec architecture subsequently influenced later Mesoamerican styles. The ancient Aztecs relied on cosmology, astronomy, and religion as their main sources of inspiration. Aztec religious beliefs are reflected in the designs ...
What is the Aztec temple?
Reconstruction of the temple precinct of Tenochtitlan; the great temple. Aztec architecture is a late form of Mesoamerican architecture developed by the Aztec civilization. Much of what is known about it comes from the structures that are still standing.
How many layers of pyramids did the Aztecs have?
Some temples have been found to have at least four or five layers.
Where was the Aztec Empire located?
History. The most significant architecture of the Aztec Empire was located in the capital city Tenochtitlan, which was destroyed after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Materials taken from the city were used in the construction of Mexico City. There is not much remaining archaeological evidence at Aztec sites like the Aztec Temple Square.
What was the relationship between the Aztecs and the Aztecs?
Relationship with Aztec culture. The Aztecs designed their buildings to be functional for everyday life as well as religious practices . The architectural style of the Aztecs reflected relationships with a higher power. In Tenochtitlan, the layout of the city represented the birth of Huitzilopochtli.
What were the Aztec homes made of?
AZTEC HOMES. In contrast to the large stone temples, Aztec homes were primarily built from wood logs that were interlinked. They may have also used mud bricks (adobe). The floor of the homes was usually just dirt or may have been made of stone.
How high was the Aztec temple?
The temple reached as high as 180 feet (60 meters) and was topped with a large platform. This top platform contained two shrines to two different Aztec gods that played a significant role in the religion of the Aztec.
What is the name of the main temple in the Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan?
For instance, the pyramid was a central component of Aztec construction and featured prominently in their own city-state (altepetl) in Tenochtitlan. Templo Mayor is the name of the main temple in the Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan. Structurally, the Templo Mayor was a stepped-pyramid with two shrines constructed on top ...
What was the Aztec Empire?
Throughout its history as a civilization the Aztec Empire expanded across much of central Mexico and other surrounding areas, to become the most dominant and powerful people in the region. Tenochtitlan, the main Aztec city (or altepetl), was the center of this vast empire. .
What are the features of the templo mayor?
First, they did not replace large structures such as temples, rather they simply built over top of them and made them bigger and more elaborate. This has been witnessed in several Aztec archaeological sites, but is likely best seen in the ruins found of the Templo Mayor.
When was the Temple of Tenochtitlan built?
Historians believe that the great temple was first built just after the founding of Tenochtitlan in 1325 and then went through many different additions throughout the history of the Aztec. Originally, the temple was quite small and constructed out of earth and wood. Then, successive Aztec leaders, known as huey tlatoani, built onto the temple.
When was the Templo Mayor built?
The final version of the Templo Mayor (and the one that the Spanish witnessed in 1521) was likely constructed sometime at the end of the 15th century. It was a pyramid with four different levels or terraces and two sets of staircases that reached to the top platform.
Overview
Building techniques
The Aztecs had advanced knowledge of building techniques, and they knew how to build on the local geology and terrain, particularly the soft soil. The builders employed stone bases for the temples. J. A. Joyce writes that "[t]he physical geography of Central America was favorable to the rise of the art of building in stone."
Aztecs also used gravity to make a running water system, bringing fresh water to the city grid an…
Influences
Aztec architecture reflects the migration of the Aztec civilization across present-day Mexico. The style of early Aztec pyramids was adapted from those of Classic and other Postclassic Mesoamerican people. Aztec architecture subsequently influenced later Mesoamerican styles.
The ancient Aztecs relied on cosmology, astronomy, and religion as their main sources of inspiration. Aztec religious beliefs are reflected in the designs of the religious structures as well …
History
The most significant architecture of the Aztec Empire was located in the capital city Tenochtitlan, which was destroyed after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Materials taken from the city were used in the construction of Mexico City. There is not much remaining archaeological evidence at Aztec sites like the Aztec Temple Square.
Aztec architectural sites include Malinalco, Tenayuca, conquered by the Aztec circa 1434; the ear…
Style
Aztec architecture is characterized by symmetry and elements like geometric designs and sweeping lines.
There are also many symbolic elements, including the four cardinal directions, which each represents a deity, color, and symbol. Animal symbols also served as representations: eagles represent the sun and warriors, serpents represented water or fire, and conch shells were fertilit…
Types of structures
The structures in the city of Tenochtitlan included temples, palaces, and platforms. The temples were terraced pyramids with steep stairs leading up to the main temple. Domestic structures reflected the social and financial status of inhabitants. Elites lived in palaces, which were called tecpans. Houses were uniform throughout most of the empire, only varying in size and ornamentation.
Relationship with Aztec culture
The Aztecs designed their buildings to be functional for everyday life as well as religious practices. The architectural style of the Aztecs reflected relationships with a higher power. In Tenochtitlan, the layout of the city represented the birth of Huitzilopochtli.
The teocalli, or pyramid-temples, were significant to Aztec religious practices. They were the sites of religious celebrations and rituals. The temples represented ascension. There were multiple to…
Further reading
• Bernal, I; Coe, M; et al. (1973). The Iconography of Middle American sculpture. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.