This day started with a visit to the Museum of Anthropology. We were there when it opened, but were unable to enter until the guide showed up, so we had less than two hours to see the museum. It would take about two or three days to see it all.
This is the Sun Stone or the Aztec Calendar, as some folks know it. This massive stone was found buried after a couple of hundred years. The Spaniards apparently had used it as a target and the nose is chipped away from some bulls eyes they made. It's about 9 feet across.
A group shown with the umbrella fountain in the background.
We had a guide, but he was so bad we dismissed him. This guy volunteerted to guide us and did a fantastic job. He refused to take any payment!
Here he is showing us a model of the Templo Mejor and explaining how it was covered by six layers of soil and facing stones.
This is a stellae that was found in Southern Mexico. He showed us the backside and explained how the glyphs had been translated. He claimed that one set said, "We're glad you came to the museum today."
This is a model of the ball courts they used in the Yucatan to play a form of soccer basketball. The captain of the losing team would lose his head…literally. Talk about incentive.
A model of Teotihuacan, where we were yesterday.
A model of Tenochitlan, which is what the city looked like when Cortes arrived. The biggest building is the Templo Mejor, which was torn down to build the cathedral.
The Woman Snake God.
Posted on 6/01/2001
