| BARRIOZONA |
| Bilingual Community Expression Published by the Hispanic Institute of Social Issues |
| MEXICO |
| The Flight of the Eagle Series |
| Discovered Monolith May Hide Burial Site of Aztec Ruler |
| The recently excavated monolith may be the tomb of Ahuízotl, the eighth Aztec Tlatoani. |
A BARRIOZONA Update
| By HISI Staff Writers Images by Mauricio Marat / INAH |
Matos Moctezuma reported that in the case of the unearthed monolith, it presents the female aspect of the idol;
the carving features include a short skirt with shapes of skulls and bones crossed, in addition to displaying a
dorsal ornament with stripes and snails, an exclusive feature of female goddesses related to the earth and the
night. The deity represented in the stone also has unique elements, such as skulls on the elbows and knees, as
well as paper flags on the hair, symbols of death and sacrifice respectively.
Doctor Matos Moctezuma, an authoritative scholar and renowned Mexican archeologist, stated that due to the
continuity of the archeological work, he does not rule out that team assigned to this project will find the ashes of
the Mexica (may-SHEE-kah) ruler. If Ahuízotl’s remains are found buried beneath the headstone, it would be the
first burial site ever found of a leader of the 1427-1521 Aztec empire. He explained that deceased tlatoanis or
Aztec rulers, were incinerated in a big pyre at the feet of the Great Temple − the Aztecs' main religious site − and
then placed their ashes in a jar. The examination conducted by Matos Moctezuma suggests a strong possibility
that this site may be where Ahuízotl was laid to rest.
According to historical records, Ahuízotl was the eighth Mexica ruler (Hueyi Tlatoani) of the city of Tenochtitlán (teh-
noach-TEE-tlahn). Records indicate Ahuízotl was responsible for much of the expansion of Aztec domain. It’s said
that he more than doubled the size of lands under Aztec empire. He is considered to have been the greatest
known military leader of Mesoamerica before the arriving of Columbus to America.
This Mexica ruler was able to conquer the Mixtec, Zapotec and other tribes along Mexico’s pacific coast, extending
through Guatemala. Ahuízotl oversaw major rebuilding of the city, including the expansion of the Great Temple.
Sources point out that about 20,000 people were sacrificed for the dedication of these works in the temple.
The city’s expansion brought not only days of glory to Ahuízotl’s empire, but also the city's growing need for
water, and indirectly, his own death. In 1499, a new aqueduct ordered by Ahuízotl was opened into the city from
the southwesterly precinct of Coyoacán. The whole project was developed against the advice of some of the
earlier residents of the district.
The Aztecs soon realized their mistake, when they found that the volume of water they had directed into their city
was far too great to be managed and contained. Consequently, lake levels were seriously disturbed and the Aztec
capital was flooded, apparently with a considerable loss of life. In fact, Ahuízotl himself was injured during the
inundation, and after a lingering illness passed away in 1502. He had ruled the Aztec empire since 1846.
But how archeologists have determined the possibility that the monolith may be the headstone of Ahuízotl? First,
Álvaro Barrera Rivera, supervisor of the Urban Archeology Program of the Templo Mayor Project, pointed out that
this archeological piece, carved on pink andesite (rough volcanic rock,) a symbol can be observed on one of the
claws of the Aztec goddess, located on the right side of the representation.
The carved symbol shows a calendar date that well could be 10-Rabbit or 2-Rabbit. Regarding these dates, Matos
Moctezuma explained that the first one points out to the year when Ahuízotl died, since it corresponds to 1502 A.
D., while the second calendar date is the name of god of pulque (the most common alcoholic beverage made from
the fermented juice of the maguey,) and it has to do with this case, since there is a connection between the drink
and the end of the ruling period of Ahuízotl.
Another symbolism that may shed light on why archeologists believe this may be the burial site of the eighth Aztec
tlatoani, is the fact that both the number 2 and 10 share the head of the rabbit, which leads to another reading:
12-Rabbit. This coincides with the year 1478 A.D., when according to historical data there was an eclipse. The
Mexicas interpreted the eclipse as the “sun being eaten” and “when the tzizime stars appeared.” The occurrence
of the eclipse was symbolically related to the death of the solar king.
Because of this data, and other findings that are currently being analyzed, Matos Moctezuma believes
hypothetically that the monolith found in the lot of Ajaracas’ house may be the burial site of Ahuízotl, who in his
capacity of solar king, descended to Mictlan − the Aztec underworld − where he transmitted power to his
successor, Moctezuma II.
He added that the monolith was found in its original position, between the Templo Mayor and the Tzompantli −
the platform of skulls − in a site that would be next to the building called Cuauhxicalco, where − according to some
sources − the ashes of the Mexica rulers Axayácatl y Tízoc were placed. It is also indicated that the remains of
Ahuízotl were buried next to this building. Other chroniclers corroborate that burying of some tlatoanis were made
near the platform of skulls.
the carving features include a short skirt with shapes of skulls and bones crossed, in addition to displaying a
dorsal ornament with stripes and snails, an exclusive feature of female goddesses related to the earth and the
night. The deity represented in the stone also has unique elements, such as skulls on the elbows and knees, as
well as paper flags on the hair, symbols of death and sacrifice respectively.
Doctor Matos Moctezuma, an authoritative scholar and renowned Mexican archeologist, stated that due to the
continuity of the archeological work, he does not rule out that team assigned to this project will find the ashes of
the Mexica (may-SHEE-kah) ruler. If Ahuízotl’s remains are found buried beneath the headstone, it would be the
first burial site ever found of a leader of the 1427-1521 Aztec empire. He explained that deceased tlatoanis or
Aztec rulers, were incinerated in a big pyre at the feet of the Great Temple − the Aztecs' main religious site − and
then placed their ashes in a jar. The examination conducted by Matos Moctezuma suggests a strong possibility
that this site may be where Ahuízotl was laid to rest.
According to historical records, Ahuízotl was the eighth Mexica ruler (Hueyi Tlatoani) of the city of Tenochtitlán (teh-
noach-TEE-tlahn). Records indicate Ahuízotl was responsible for much of the expansion of Aztec domain. It’s said
that he more than doubled the size of lands under Aztec empire. He is considered to have been the greatest
known military leader of Mesoamerica before the arriving of Columbus to America.
This Mexica ruler was able to conquer the Mixtec, Zapotec and other tribes along Mexico’s pacific coast, extending
through Guatemala. Ahuízotl oversaw major rebuilding of the city, including the expansion of the Great Temple.
Sources point out that about 20,000 people were sacrificed for the dedication of these works in the temple.
The city’s expansion brought not only days of glory to Ahuízotl’s empire, but also the city's growing need for
water, and indirectly, his own death. In 1499, a new aqueduct ordered by Ahuízotl was opened into the city from
the southwesterly precinct of Coyoacán. The whole project was developed against the advice of some of the
earlier residents of the district.
The Aztecs soon realized their mistake, when they found that the volume of water they had directed into their city
was far too great to be managed and contained. Consequently, lake levels were seriously disturbed and the Aztec
capital was flooded, apparently with a considerable loss of life. In fact, Ahuízotl himself was injured during the
inundation, and after a lingering illness passed away in 1502. He had ruled the Aztec empire since 1846.
But how archeologists have determined the possibility that the monolith may be the headstone of Ahuízotl? First,
Álvaro Barrera Rivera, supervisor of the Urban Archeology Program of the Templo Mayor Project, pointed out that
this archeological piece, carved on pink andesite (rough volcanic rock,) a symbol can be observed on one of the
claws of the Aztec goddess, located on the right side of the representation.
The carved symbol shows a calendar date that well could be 10-Rabbit or 2-Rabbit. Regarding these dates, Matos
Moctezuma explained that the first one points out to the year when Ahuízotl died, since it corresponds to 1502 A.
D., while the second calendar date is the name of god of pulque (the most common alcoholic beverage made from
the fermented juice of the maguey,) and it has to do with this case, since there is a connection between the drink
and the end of the ruling period of Ahuízotl.
Another symbolism that may shed light on why archeologists believe this may be the burial site of the eighth Aztec
tlatoani, is the fact that both the number 2 and 10 share the head of the rabbit, which leads to another reading:
12-Rabbit. This coincides with the year 1478 A.D., when according to historical data there was an eclipse. The
Mexicas interpreted the eclipse as the “sun being eaten” and “when the tzizime stars appeared.” The occurrence
of the eclipse was symbolically related to the death of the solar king.
Because of this data, and other findings that are currently being analyzed, Matos Moctezuma believes
hypothetically that the monolith found in the lot of Ajaracas’ house may be the burial site of Ahuízotl, who in his
capacity of solar king, descended to Mictlan − the Aztec underworld − where he transmitted power to his
successor, Moctezuma II.
He added that the monolith was found in its original position, between the Templo Mayor and the Tzompantli −
the platform of skulls − in a site that would be next to the building called Cuauhxicalco, where − according to some
sources − the ashes of the Mexica rulers Axayácatl y Tízoc were placed. It is also indicated that the remains of
Ahuízotl were buried next to this building. Other chroniclers corroborate that burying of some tlatoanis were made
near the platform of skulls.
| New light to an ancient mystery unfolds |
Mexico City, Mexico.― The recently
excavated monolith discovered next to the
archeological zone of the Templo Mayor or
Great Temple − in an adjacent lot known as
“Casa de las Ajaracas” − could be, according
to the observations of Mexican
archeologists, a headstone honoring the
burial site of Ahuízotl (ah-we-sut'-l), an Aztec
tlatoani or ruler.
Professor Eduardo Matos Moctezuma and
Doctor Leonardo López Luján, informed that
based on their analysis and interpretation,
the monumental stone discovered on
October 2, represents without a doubt, the
Tlaltecuhtli (tlal-te-Kwa-tlee) god/goddess of
the Earth in Aztec mythology. This deity had
two aspects: female and male.
excavated monolith discovered next to the
archeological zone of the Templo Mayor or
Great Temple − in an adjacent lot known as
“Casa de las Ajaracas” − could be, according
to the observations of Mexican
archeologists, a headstone honoring the
burial site of Ahuízotl (ah-we-sut'-l), an Aztec
tlatoani or ruler.
Professor Eduardo Matos Moctezuma and
Doctor Leonardo López Luján, informed that
based on their analysis and interpretation,
the monumental stone discovered on
October 2, represents without a doubt, the
Tlaltecuhtli (tlal-te-Kwa-tlee) god/goddess of
the Earth in Aztec mythology. This deity had
two aspects: female and male.
NOTE: This article was prepared using information provided by Sam L. Bravo from the INAH Media Department, as well as
other sources such as magazines and books from the author’s personal library. HISI and BARRIOZONA are grateful to the
INAH and its staff for the valuable assistance received.
The work to rescue the monolith, in charge of the Urban Archeology Program, is being conducted by archeologists Alicia Islas
Domínguez, Gabino López Arenas, Alberto Diez Barroso y Ulises Lina Hernández, and it includes a interdisciplinary team
formed by biologists, geologists, restorers, topographers, artists, physical anthropologist, and of course, archeologists.
Contributing to this work also are Alfredo López Austin y Leonardo López Luján.
other sources such as magazines and books from the author’s personal library. HISI and BARRIOZONA are grateful to the
INAH and its staff for the valuable assistance received.
The work to rescue the monolith, in charge of the Urban Archeology Program, is being conducted by archeologists Alicia Islas
Domínguez, Gabino López Arenas, Alberto Diez Barroso y Ulises Lina Hernández, and it includes a interdisciplinary team
formed by biologists, geologists, restorers, topographers, artists, physical anthropologist, and of course, archeologists.
Contributing to this work also are Alfredo López Austin y Leonardo López Luján.
| Contact the Author |
| Read the article detailing the finding of the monolith: Emerging Marvel |
| Lea la versión en Español |