Tenayuca Pyramid (Coatepetl) Twin-Stair Pyramid
Tenayuca · Temple of Tenayuca · Coatepec Tenayuca pyramid
Postclassic (Chichimec / Aztec)·Chichimec / Aztec (Nahua)·🇲🇽 State of Mexico, Tenayuca — north of Tlatelolco (Aztec north gate) within Tlalnepantla, Mexico
About
About Tenayuca Pyramid (Coatepetl) Twin-Stair Pyramid
Aztec (Chichimec) twin-stair pyramid at Tenayuca — classic Late Postclassic 1224–1350 CE pyramid of Quetzalcoatl cult, base 38×22 m, 19 m high, encased by 6 successive rebuild layers (nest of pyramids) each with twin temples to Huitzilopochtli–Tlaloc atop and dramatic coiled serpents (coatepetl — serpent hill) balustrades, precursor to Templo Mayor. Remarkably preserved serpent balustrades (40 serpent heads). Excavated by Ignacio Marquina 1925–35. Shows Aztec pyramid superimposition method.
Why it mattersBest-preserved Aztec coatepetl serpent pyramid; stratigraphy of 6 nests demonstrated Aztec superimposition method applied later at Templo Mayor.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Sequence of 6 builders per azimuth
- 02Coatepetl myth link to Tula
Theories
- 01Tenayuca is model for Tenochtitlan Templo Mayor twin temples
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1224–1350 CE (Early–Late Postclassic, Chichimec→Aztec)
- Period
- Postclassic (Chichimec / Aztec)
- Culture
- Chichimec / Aztec (Nahua)
- Builders
- Xolotl dynasty Chichimecs then Tenayuca lords
- Purpose
- Twin temples to Huitzilopochtli–Tlaloc with Coatepetl serpent symbolism
- Abandoned
- c. 1521 CE (Spanish conquest)
- Rediscovered
- 1925 (Ignacio Marquina)
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 1224–1350 CE (Early–Late Postclassic, Chichimec→Aztec)
Initial construction
c. 1552 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
19.5331° N · 99.1694° W · 2260 m · 3 mapped features
Twin-stair pyramid mass
pyramid38×22 m pyramid with twin west stairs
19.5331° N · 99.1694° WCoatepetl serpent balustrades
serpent40 coiled serpent heads along balustrades
19.5330° N · 99.1694° WNested inner pyramid 3
pyramidThird rebuild layer visible in tunnel
19.5330° N · 99.1694° W
Gallery