Aztec calendar stone

The Aztec Sun Stone, also known as the Aztec Calendar Stone, is a basalt monolith with intricate carvings representing Mexica cosmology.

About this subject

The Aztec Sun Stone, officially called the Sun Stone, is one of the most iconic artifacts of the Mexica (Aztec) civilization. Carved from olivine basalt, it measures 3.6 meters in diameter and weighs approximately 24 tons. It was likely completed during the reign of Moctezuma II (1502-1520), though its creation may have begun earlier. The top surface contains a carved disk with a central face representing Tonatiuh, the sun god, surrounded by symbols of previous eras and calendrical rings.

The piece was discovered on December 17, 1790, during leveling work in Mexico City's main square, buried at a shallow depth. After the Conquest, the Spanish had placed it face down to erase its religious significance. It was displayed at the base of the western tower of the Metropolitan Cathedral until 1885, when it was moved to the National Museum of Anthropology, where it remains today as one of the main attractions.

The disk is not a functional calendar but a symbolic representation of Mexica time and cosmos. Its concentric rings record the 20 days of the Aztec month, the 365 days of the solar year, and the five cosmic eras that supposedly existed. Each era ended in catastrophe, and the fifth era, the current one, would be destroyed by earthquakes. The iconography also includes fire serpents, warrior symbols, and offerings.

Interestingly, the stone has been subject to controversy. Some researchers suggest it served as an altar for gladiatorial sacrifices, while others view it as a monument to Mexica political legitimacy. In 2020, the National Institute of Anthropology and History conducted a 3D scan of the piece for digital preservation, revealing previously unseen details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the true name of the Sun Stone?

The official name is Sun Stone (Spanish: Piedra del Sol). Although popularly called the Aztec Calendar, experts prefer the original name because it did not function as a practical calendar.

Where can I see the Sun Stone today?

It is on display at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, in the Mexica room. The museum is located in Chapultepec Park and is open to the public.

Is the Sun Stone actually a calendar?

Not in a functional sense. It represents the cycle of time and Mexica cosmology, including the 20 days of the month, the 365 days of the year, and the five cosmic eras. It served more as a religious and political monument.