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| Foto: Secret of tula pyramid Mexico |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,Tanjung Pandan, Bangka Belitung Islands – May 9, 2025 – In the heart of Hidalgo, Mexico, stands the imposing Pyramid of Tula, a testament to the once-mighty Toltec civilization that flourished centuries before the Aztecs. More than just a stone structure, this five-tiered pyramid, also known as Pyramid B or the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl, offers a fascinating glimpse into the Toltec Empire's religious beliefs, military prowess, and intricate cultural connections with other Mesoamerican societies.
Tula served as the Toltec capital from roughly the 9th to the 12th centuries AD, a pivotal period between the decline of Teotihuacan and the rise of the Aztec empire. Dominating the archaeological site, the pyramid is believed to have been topped by a temple dedicated to Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, the Toltec representation of the revered deity Quetzalcoatl as the morning star.
However, it is the figures standing sentinel on the pyramid's summit that truly capture the imagination. Four colossal basalt columns, each towering at 15 feet tall, depict formidable Toltec warriors. These "Atlanteans," as they are often called, are adorned with elaborate headdresses and chest plates, clutching atlatls (spear-throwers) and bags – powerful symbols of their military might and societal importance. These imposing statues once held aloft the roof of the temple.
The pyramid's terraces were once canvases for intricate storytelling. Friezes and reliefs carved into the stone depicted a vivid array of figures, from fierce jaguars and eagles devouring human hearts to cunning coyotes and human faces emerging from the jaws of serpents. These artistic expressions likely held deep symbolic and religious significance, potentially narrating the myths, histories, and cosmological beliefs of the Toltec people.
Encircling the sacred precinct, including the pyramid, lies the Coatepantli, or Serpent Wall. This striking architectural feature is decorated with intertwined serpents and human skeletons, a powerful and perhaps unsettling representation of Mesoamerican cosmology and the cyclical nature of life and death.
Intriguingly, the architectural echoes of Tula resonate far beyond its immediate region. The striking similarities between Pyramid B's warrior columns and the Temple of the Warriors at the Mayan city of Chichen Itza point to a significant cultural exchange or influence between these two powerful civilizations during the Postclassic period. This connection underscores the interconnectedness of Mesoamerican societies and the spread of artistic and religious ideas.
The legacy of Tula and its iconic pyramid extends even to the later Aztec empire. The Aztecs held the Toltecs in high regard, viewing their capital, Tollan, as a place of great power and mythical origin. The legends of Quetzalcoatl and the grandeur of Tula profoundly influenced Aztec ideology and artistic expression.
In conclusion, the Pyramid of Tula in Hidalgo stands as a powerful reminder of the Toltec civilization's influence and achievements. Its unique architectural features, from the imposing warrior figures to the symbolic carvings, offer invaluable insights into their religion, military culture, and artistic sophistication. Its connections to other major Mesoamerican sites and its enduring impact on the Aztec imagination solidify its place as a crucial landmark in the rich tapestry of pre-Columbian Mexican history.