Enlargement of the Great Temple

The Great Temple, known as Templo Mayor, served as the focal point of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire. This large stepped pyramid featured a double staircase leading to two twin shrines, one dedicated to Tlaloc, the rain god, and the other to Huitzilopochtli, the god of war. The temple was a central site for ritual activities, including human sacrifices, which were integral to Aztec religious practices. Victims were often thrown down the stairs as part of these ceremonies. The temple underwent multiple enlargements over time, with each Aztec ruler contributing to its expansion, marking their reign with new dedications and inaugurations. Excavations in modern-day Mexico City have revealed a wealth of dedicatory offerings, which are now housed in the Museum of the Templo Mayor. Archaeologist Eduardo Matos Moctezuma has analyzed the temple's significance, suggesting that its orientation reflects the Mexica's comprehensive understanding of the universe, or cosmovision. He argues that the Templo Mayor represents the intersection of the celestial and underworld realms, serving as a symbolic center from which the four cardinal directions emanate. This perspective positions the temple not just as a physical structure but as a living embodiment of Aztec mythology and sacred power.