Aztec architecture: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 08:22, 24 May 2025

Latest revision as of 22:01, 16 July 2025

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== History ==

Some of the most well-known architecture of the Aztec Empire was located in the capital city [[Tenochtitlan]], which was destroyed after the [[Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire|Spanish conquest]] in the 16th century.<ref name=":0" /> Materials taken from the city were then used in the construction of [[Mexico City]].<ref name=":0" /> Because of the construction of Mexico City, not much [[Archaeological record|archaeological evidence]] remains at important Aztec sites such as the Aztec Temple Square.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Association for Computer-Aided Design in Architecture. Conference|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/48456547|title=Reinventing the discourse : how digital tools help bridge and transform research, education and practice in architecture : proceedings of the twenty first annual conference of the Association for Computer-Aided Design in Architecture, October 11–14, 2001, Buffalo, New York|date=2001|publisher=Association for Computer-Aided Design in Architecture|others=Wassim Jabi, Association for Computer-Aided Design in Architecture|isbn=1-880250-10-1|___location=[Place of publication not identified]|oclc=48456547}}</ref>

Aztec architectural sites include [[Malinalco (archeological site)|Malinalco]], [[Tenayuca]], conquered by the Aztecs circa 1434. This site is the earliest known example of the typical Aztec double pyramid—joined pyramidal bases supporting two temples—and the [[Templo Mayor]], the biggest building in the Aztec city [[Tenochtitlan]].

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The structures in the city of Tenochtitlan included temples, palaces, and platforms.<ref name=":1" /> The temples were terraced pyramids with steep stairs leading up to the main temple. Domestic structures reflected the social and financial status of inhabitants.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Olson|first1=Jan Marie|last2=Smith|first2=Michael E.|title=Material Expressions of Wealth and Social Class at Aztec-Period Sites in Morelos, Mexico|date=2016|journal=Ancient Mesoamerica|language=en|volume=27|issue=1|pages=133–147|doi=10.1017/S0956536115000334|issn=0956-5361|doi-access=free}}</ref>

Elites lived in palaces, which were called ''tecpan''s.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/57392889|title=Palaces of the ancient new world : a symposium at Dumbarton Oaks, 10th and 11th October 1998|date=2004|publisher=Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection|others=Susan Toby Evans, Joanne Pillsbury, Dumbarton Oaks|isbn=0-88402-300-1|___location=Washington, D.C.|oclc=57392889}}</ref> The word tecpan is often used as a shorthand for many different types of palaces, regardless of any special functions individual structures may have had.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Susan |title=Aztec Palaces and Other Elite Residential Architecture |url=https://ens9004-infd.mendoza.edu.ar/sitio/historia-america-latina/upload/05-%20EVANS%20&%20PILLSBURY%20-%20LIBRO%20-%20Palaces%20of%20the%20Ancient%20New%20World.pdf#page=16 |website=Mendoza.edu |publisher=Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection |access-date=7 March 2023}}</ref> "Most commonly, the term [tecpan] meant the home of a hereditary lord, and it also took on associated meanings, such as the seat of government, place of riches and art, and idyllic retreat amidst scenery and diversions".<ref name="ens9004-infd.mendoza.edu.ar">{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Susan |title=Aztec Palaces and Other Elite Residential Architecture |url=https://ens9004-infd.mendoza.edu.ar/sitio/historia-america-latina/upload/05-%20EVANS%20&%20PILLSBURY%20-%20LIBRO%20-%20Palaces%20of%20the%20Ancient%20New%20World.pdf#page=16 |website=Mendoza.edu |publisher=Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection |access-date=7 March 2023 |page=17}}</ref>

Aztec palaces consisted of three main types: Administrative palaces, mansions of wealthy nobles, and pleasure palaces and retreats. Administrative palaces served as the ___location for local government, as well as the residences of local rulers. The focal point of these structures was a large courtyard near the entrance of the building, surrounded by suites that served various purposes.<ref name="ens9004-infd.mendoza.edu.ar"/> "The form of the tecpan is dominated by a large courtyard, opening onto the community plaza, which is best seen as a kind of mega-courtyard for the community," according to Susan Evans.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Susan |title=Aztec Palaces and Other Elite Residential Architecture |url=https://ens9004-infd.mendoza.edu.ar/sitio/historia-america-latina/upload/05-%20EVANS%20&%20PILLSBURY%20-%20LIBRO%20-%20Palaces%20of%20the%20Ancient%20New%20World.pdf#page=16 |website=Mendoza.edu |publisher=Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection |access-date=7 March 2023 |page=23}}</ref> The mansions of wealthy nobles were used solely as residences, and were constructed in accordance with Aztec sumptuary laws.<ref name="Aztec Palaces and Other Elite Resid">{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Susan |title=Aztec Palaces and Other Elite Residential Architecture |url=https://ens9004-infd.mendoza.edu.ar/sitio/historia-america-latina/upload/05-%20EVANS%20&%20PILLSBURY%20-%20LIBRO%20-%20Palaces%20of%20the%20Ancient%20New%20World.pdf#page=16 |website=Mendoza.edu |publisher=Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection |access-date=7 March 2023 |page=18}}</ref> Pleasure palaces and retreats served many purposes, ranging from add-on structures at religious shrines to more opulent structures, such as [[Nezahualcoyotl (tlatoani)|Nezahualcoyotl's]] baths, located at [[Texcotzingo]].<ref name="Aztec Palaces and Other Elite Resid"/>