Aztec calendar stone

The Aztec Sun Stone, also known as the Aztec Calendar Stone, is a basalt monolith carved in the 15th century that represents Mexica cosmology.

About this subject

The Aztec Sun Stone, discovered in 1790 in Mexico City's Zócalo during construction, is one of the most iconic artifacts of the Mexica civilization. Measuring about 3.6 meters in diameter and weighing 24 tons, the monolith was carved from volcanic basalt during the reign of Axayacatl (1469, 1481) or possibly Moctezuma II (1502, 1520). Contrary to popular belief, the stone did not function as a practical calendar but rather as a ceremonial altar dedicated to the sun god Tonatiuh, depicted at the center with an obsidian knife (tecpatl) protruding from his mouth.

The disc's surface displays complex glyphs narrating the five cosmic eras (suns) of Aztec mythology, each ending in catastrophe. The fourth sun, for instance, was destroyed by a flood. The fifth sun, the current one, is ruled by Tonatiuh and requires human sacrifice to keep moving. Around the god, four squares represent the previous eras, while concentric rings show the 20 days of the ritual calendar (tonalpohualli) and fire serpents (xiuhcóatl) that carry the sun across the sky. Archaeological studies suggest the stone originally stood at the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan, painted in bright colors, and was buried after the Spanish conquest to avoid destruction.

Today, the Sun Stone is displayed at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, serving as a national symbol and a subject of ongoing research. Its iconography influences modern art and pop culture, appearing in logos, coins, and films. Although commonly called the “Aztec calendar,” scholars like Eduardo Matos Moctezuma emphasize its primary religious and political function: legitimizing the emperor's power as the sun's representative on Earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the Aztec Sun Stone found?

It was discovered on December 17, 1790, in Mexico City's Zócalo (Main Plaza) during leveling work.

Did the Sun Stone actually function as a calendar?

No. Although it contains ritual calendar symbols, its primary purpose was ceremonial and political, representing cosmology and imperial legitimacy.

How many cosmic eras are depicted on the stone?

Five eras, called suns. The fifth sun, the current one, is at the center, while the previous four are in the surrounding quadrants.