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🎻intro to humanities review

Calendar stone (sun stone)

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The calendar stone, also known as the sun stone, is a massive stone sculpture from the Aztec civilization that functions as a complex calendar and cosmological symbol. It features intricate carvings that depict various elements of Aztec cosmology, including the five worlds of creation, the sun god, and important dates in the Mesoamerican calendar system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The calendar stone is about 12 feet in diameter and weighs over 25 tons, making it an impressive feat of engineering and artistry.
  2. The stone was originally believed to be a sacrificial altar, but it is now understood to serve primarily as a calendrical and astronomical device.
  3. Its intricate carvings illustrate the Aztec belief in cycles of creation and destruction, reflecting their understanding of time as cyclical rather than linear.
  4. The center of the stone features the face of Tonatiuh, the sun god, symbolizing the importance of solar worship in Aztec culture.
  5. The calendar stone was discovered in 1790 during construction work in Mexico City and has since become a national symbol of Mexico's indigenous heritage.

Review Questions

  • How does the design of the calendar stone reflect Aztec cosmology and their understanding of time?
    • The design of the calendar stone incorporates various elements that represent Aztec cosmology, illustrating their belief in cycles of creation and destruction. The intricate carvings depict significant deities and mythological events, suggesting that time is viewed as cyclical. The central figure of Tonatiuh reinforces the importance of the sun god in their religious practices, showing how astronomy was intertwined with their understanding of temporal cycles.
  • Discuss the significance of the calendar stone in relation to other Mesoamerican timekeeping methods.
    • The calendar stone serves as a critical representation of Mesoamerican timekeeping methods by showcasing the complex interplay between the 260-day ritual calendar and the 365-day solar calendar. Unlike linear perspectives of time found in some other cultures, Mesoamerican calendars operated on cycles that linked religious practices with agricultural seasons. The calendar stone embodies this connection, emphasizing its role in societal organization and ceremonial life.
  • Evaluate the impact of the calendar stone's discovery on modern perceptions of Aztec culture and its legacy.
    • The discovery of the calendar stone significantly influenced modern perceptions of Aztec culture by highlighting their sophisticated understanding of astronomy and calendrical systems. As a national symbol of indigenous heritage, it has played a crucial role in reshaping narratives around pre-Columbian civilizations. This artifact not only serves as a testament to Aztec artistry but also prompts ongoing discussions about cultural identity and historical legacy in contemporary Mexico.