Sun Stone

Definition

The Sun Stone, also known as the Calendar Stone, is a massive Aztec sculpture that serves as a representation of the Aztec cosmology and their understanding of time. This iconic stone features intricate carvings that depict the various epochs of the Aztec creation myth, the sun god Tonatiuh, and celestial bodies, showcasing the advanced knowledge of astronomy and art within Aztec society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sun Stone is approximately 12 feet in diameter and weighs around 24 tons, making it one of the largest stone carvings from the Aztec period.
2. Originally located in the main square of Tenochtitlan, it was discovered in 1790 during construction work and is now displayed at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.
3. The stone features a central figure of Tonatiuh surrounded by representations of different previous eras or suns that, according to Aztec belief, had ended catastrophically.
4. The carvings on the Sun Stone include symbols representing the four previous worlds, each associated with a different element and ending in destruction.
5. The Sun Stone not only served as a calendar but also as a religious artifact, symbolizing the Aztec belief in cycles of creation and destruction.

Review Questions

• How does the Sun Stone reflect the Aztecs' understanding of time and their cosmological beliefs?
  • The Sun Stone embodies the Aztecs' sophisticated understanding of time through its intricate carvings that represent different epochs within their cosmology. It showcases their belief in cyclical time, where each era was governed by a different sun and ultimately ended in disaster. The stone illustrates not just a method for tracking time but also an expression of their worldview that intertwined astronomy with mythology.
• Discuss the significance of Tonatiuh's depiction on the Sun Stone and its impact on Aztec society.
  • Tonatiuh's central depiction on the Sun Stone underscores his vital role in Aztec religion and culture as the sun god. His representation emphasizes the importance of solar worship and ritual sacrifices to ensure agricultural fertility and cosmic order. This reverence for Tonatiuh illustrates how closely tied religion was to daily life and governance in Aztec society, influencing social structure and cultural practices.
• Evaluate how the discovery and study of the Sun Stone have influenced modern understanding of Aztec civilization.
  • The discovery and study of the Sun Stone have significantly enhanced modern comprehension of Aztec civilization by providing insight into their advanced knowledge of astronomy, art, and religious practices. By analyzing its carvings, scholars have been able to reconstruct aspects of Aztec cosmology and societal organization. Furthermore, the stone's prominence has sparked interest in indigenous cultures, leading to a broader appreciation for pre-Columbian history and its complexities.

Related terms

Tonatiuh: The sun god in Aztec mythology, often depicted at the center of the Sun Stone, representing the importance of solar worship in their culture.

Aztec Calendar: A system of timekeeping used by the Aztecs that includes both a 365-day solar calendar and a 260-day ritual calendar.

Cosmology: The understanding of the universe and its creation, which in the context of the Aztecs, was intricately linked to their religious beliefs and practices.