New Aztec Information: Monolith May Be
Headstone of a King
11/16/2006 - Initially reported in October to be the largest
Aztec
idol ever found, new information by archaeologists suggests
that the monolith uncovered in the heart of Mexico City may
actually be a headstone of a deceased Aztec ruler. As the
excavation dirt was removed from the Aztec monolith, new
information was revealed about the image of the Aztec god of
the earth, Tlatecuhtli. Around the image of the Aztec god are
other images of a rabbit, skull and crossbones designs, and dot
symbols which are believed to date the monument to 1502.
The 12.4 ton, 11-foot slab Aztec carved image is fractured in
several pieces, but information suggests that it is probably a
headstone commemorating the death of Ahuizotl, predecessor of
Moctezuma II who ruled when the Spanish conquistadores came to
power.
Although modern Mexico City was built on the site of
Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, and The Aztec Templo Mayor
complex, the excavation site contains a wealth of information
and artifacts. As new information about this important site
surfaces, it will be posted here.
Brenda Harness, Art Historian
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