Aztec Calendar Stone

Definition

The Aztec Calendar Stone, also known as the Sun Stone, is a monumental sculpture created by the Aztecs that served as a calendar and cosmological symbol. This impressive artifact illustrates the Aztec understanding of time, cosmology, and their religious beliefs, reflecting the significance of celestial movements and the cycles of creation and destruction in their culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztec Calendar Stone was carved in the early 16th century and is made of basalt, weighing over 24 tons.
2. It features intricate carvings that depict various deities, the sun, and symbols representing different eras in Aztec cosmology.
3. The stone is often associated with the belief in the Five Suns, representing different epochs in which the world was created and destroyed.
4. Discovered in 1790 in Mexico City, the Aztec Calendar Stone is now housed in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico.
5. The stone's circular shape reflects the cyclical nature of time as understood by the Aztecs, emphasizing their connection to the universe and its rhythms.

Review Questions

• How does the design of the Aztec Calendar Stone reflect the Aztecs' understanding of time and cosmology?
  • The design of the Aztec Calendar Stone showcases the intricate relationship between time and cosmology in Aztec beliefs. The stone illustrates various deities, celestial symbols, and represents cycles of creation and destruction. The depiction of multiple eras emphasizes their belief in the Five Suns, each symbolizing a distinct epoch. This reflects how the Aztecs viewed time as cyclical rather than linear, connecting their daily lives to cosmic events.
• Discuss how the discovery of the Aztec Calendar Stone has influenced modern perceptions of Aztec culture and identity.
  • The discovery of the Aztec Calendar Stone has significantly shaped modern perceptions of Aztec culture by highlighting its complexity and sophistication. As a monumental artifact, it serves as a symbol of indigenous heritage and identity. Its representation of time and cosmology offers insight into how the Aztecs understood their place in the universe. This has led to a broader appreciation for pre-Columbian civilizations and their contributions to world history.
• Evaluate the role of artifacts like the Aztec Calendar Stone in shaping national identity in post-colonial Mexico.
  • Artifacts like the Aztec Calendar Stone play a crucial role in shaping national identity in post-colonial Mexico by serving as symbols of indigenous heritage and resilience. The stone represents not only artistic achievement but also deep cultural values tied to cosmology and spirituality. As Mexico navigates its complex history marked by colonialism, these artifacts become focal points for pride and cultural revival. They invite discussions about identity, heritage, and social justice within contemporary Mexican society.

Related terms

Tonalpohualli: The 260-day sacred calendar of the Aztecs, used for divination and religious rituals, consisting of 20 periods of 13 days.

Xiuhpohualli: The 365-day civil calendar of the Aztecs, which organized the agricultural year and festivals associated with solar cycles.

Quetzalcoatl:

A prominent deity in Aztec mythology associated with wind, air, and learning, often depicted as a feathered serpent.