Aztec Calendar Stone Close-Up

In the heart of Mexico City, beneath the bustling streets, lies one of the greatest treasures of the Aztec civilization: the Calendar Stone, or *Piedra del Sol*. Discovered in 1790, this colossal monolithic sculpture measures about 3.6 meters (12 feet) in diameter and weighs an astonishing 25 tons. Carved from basalt, its intricate reliefs depict the Aztec cosmogony and the cyclical nature of time, intricately weaving together mythology and astronomy.

The stone features an imposing visage at its center, believed to represent Tonatiuh, the sun god, surrounded by a fierce circle of jaguars and serpents. Twelve glyphs radiate outward, each symbolizing the days of the 260-day sacred calendar, while the edges reveal the four previous suns, each representing an era of the world in Aztec belief. This stunning artifact is not merely a testament to artistry; it also served as a ceremonial centerpiece related to the Aztec’s understanding of life, death, and rebirth.

After its unveiling in the late 18th century, the Calendar Stone has captured the imagination of historians and tourists alike. Today, it resides in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, where millions flock annually to marvel at its grandeur. The stone’s discovery not only marked a turning point in the study of Mesoamerican cultures but also sparked a renewed interest in the rich, complex history of the Aztec Empire before its fall to Spanish conquest in the early 16th century.