aztec architecture
DESCRIPTION
AZTEC ARCHITECTURE. Randi Ladd H235. General Information. Symbolism was the main focus of their architecture Aztec architecture reflects the values and civilization of an empire Prior to Axayacatl , Aztec architecture was not large Best described as monumental. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
AZTEC ARCHITECTURE
Randi LaddH235
General Information Symbolism was the main focus of their
architecture Aztec architecture reflects the values and
civilization of an empire Prior to Axayacatl, Aztec architecture was not
large Best described as monumental. Its purpose was to manifest power, while at the
same time adhering to strong religious beliefs. Evident in the design of the temples, shrines,
palaces, and everyday homes.
Tenochtitlan Capital City city plan was
based on a symmetrical layout that was divided into four city sections called Campans
Architectural Materials Locally found & imported wood, straw, stone, sand, lime, and clay. Adobe bricks
water, sand, clay, and a material such as straw
Construction of Homes Size varied based upon
wealth Same basic pattern
followed for all Houses of families were
sometimes built together Sometimes stone walls in
the ground would be added to the lot, to keep the soil from washing away.
15-25 square meters (50-82ft).
A common roof in an Aztec house would be a peaked straw roof.
Very close fitting stones and thick walls
Aztec Homes Based on the climate Only 1 door in the home
Square in shape and located on one wall
Commoners lived in 1 room homes w/ thatched roofs Split into 4 equal areas Area for sleep, meal
preparation, eating, and a shrine
Noble Aztec Homes Typically 2 stories tall
Located in the central courtyard
Had many flowers nearby
Both noble and commoner homes were built with adobe
The climate aided this Noble homes
sometimes made of better material (lime or stone)
Aztec Aqueducts “The Great Aqueduct”
Chapultepec Aqueduct Twin pipe construction Made of compact earth and wood Supply the city of Tenochtitlan with fresh
water Only a small section, about twenty-two
arches long, still survives today
Aztec Temples
Called Teocalli
Teotihuacán
Tlaloc and Chalchihuitlicue
Pyramids of the Sun and Moon Sun pyramid is the 3rd largest in
the world At the peak (it is believed) they
were plastered and painted bright red
Ideas about their architecture were taken from these temples
The Step Pyramid Built by people other than the Aztecs Large w/ multiple layers of stone Built mainly for religious purposes Appearance:
Symmetrical Side steps with a temple located on top Specifically designed serpent heads at the
bottom of the pyramid Symbolized mountains
The Step Pyramid (cont…) Blocks that were used in the pyramid
were carved into geometric shapes Used color in their pyramids
Black = north Blue = south Red = east White = west These were also in relation to the particular
God that ruled that direction
Other types of pyramids
Constructed in a circular fashion This was to
facilitate circulation of the wind
Direct the wind toward the heavens…
Example = Templo Mayor
Temples were high in height because the Gods lived in the heavens
Round Pyramid Twin Stairs Pyramid
Templo Mayor Discovered in the
heart of Mexico City
Construction began after 1325 AD Enlarged over the
next two centuries
Center of religious life
Destroyed by the Spaniards
Why was Templo Mayor built?
In honor of the God of War and the God of Water
Gods were appeased by human sacrifices which were performed on the temple…
Referred to by the Aztecs as Coatepec
.
Physical Architecture of Templo Mayor
Large stone pyramid 2 Wide staircases up the front Twin temples located on top Carved round stone on the on lower
platform Snake heads carved into the foot of the
staircase
What is left behind of Templo Mayor?
Tzompantli-Shrine or Wall of Skulls
Two identical life-size clay statues of Aztec warriors dressed in eagle costumes
stone eagle
Cholula Tlachihualtepetl Largest
monument base of 450 by
450 m (1476x1476 ft)
height of 66 m (217 ft)
total volume estimated at over 4.45 million m³
How were things built? Metal was unknown to the Aztecs Cords and wedges would be used to cut
stone Sand and water = adhesives Skilled craftsman
Chisels Hard stones Obsidian blades
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapultepec_aqueduct
http://www.aztec-history.net/aztec_pyramids
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Pyramid_of_Cholulahttp://www.aztec-history.com/cholula-
pyramid.htmlhttp://www.famsi.org/research/aguilar/Aztec_Architecture_Part2.pdfhttp://www.sacred-destinations.com/mexico/mexico-city-
templo-mayor.htmhttp://library.thinkquest.org/10098/aztec.htm
http://www.aztec-indians.com/aztec-homes.html
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/CIVAMRCA/AZTECS.HTM
Sourceshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY5rVgTxU-k