Aztec calendar stone

The Aztec Sun Stone, also known as the Aztec Calendar Stone, is a monolithic basalt sculpture representing the Aztec cosmogony.

About this subject

The Aztec Sun Stone, carved from basalt and discovered in 1790 in Mexico City, stands as one of the most iconic monuments of the Aztec civilization. Measuring 3.6 meters in diameter and weighing approximately 24 tons, the piece depicts the Aztec cosmogony: the five suns or cosmic eras that preceded the current world. At the center, the face of the sun god Tonatiuh demands sacrifices to sustain the universe's movement. The concentric rings around it include symbols of the days, months, and years of the sacred tonalpohualli calendar, as well as fire serpents representing the temporal cycle. The monument was originally placed at the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan, but after the Spanish conquest, it was buried and rediscovered centuries later. Currently, it is displayed at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, attracting millions of visitors each year. The Sun Stone was not a practical calendar for daily use, but rather a religious and political representation of Aztec power, uniting time, mythology, and imperial authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Aztec Sun Stone?

The Aztec Sun Stone, also known as the Aztec Calendar Stone, is a large basalt monolith carved by the Aztecs that represents their cosmogonic vision and marks sacred temporal cycles.

Where was the Sun Stone discovered?

It was discovered in 1790 during renovation work at the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) in Mexico City, buried near the site of the Templo Mayor.

What is the meaning of the symbols on the Sun Stone?

The symbols represent the five suns or cosmic eras, with the god Tonatiuh at the center, along with glyphs for days, months, and years of the Aztec calendar, showcasing the complexity of their astronomy and religion.