On Aug. 13th we visited the Templo Mayor in the heart of Mexico City. This archaeological site unusual because it is literally a stone’s throw from the Zocalo, the central plaza in the Historic Center of Mexico City.
When I visited the Zocalo after my first mission in 1964 there was no Templo Mayor, just old colonial buildings. In 1978 workers from the power and light company unearthed an eight-ton stone disc of an Aztec goddess while they were laying underground power lines. The Mexican law dictates that in such cases all work cease and that it be reported to the government.
According to legend the temple was built on this spot because an eagle was seen perched on a cactus devouring a snake. The Aztecs began building the temple in AD 1325. The Templo Mayor became the center of religious life for a city of 300,000. After the Spaniards arrived in 1521 destroyed the temple and built over it. The serpent was a major theme in the construction.
The Templo itself is a large stone pyramid with wide staircases similar to many seen in other parts of Mexico. On the upper part are twin temples dedicated to the god of war and the god of rain. It is here that victims were sacrificed and then thrown down the staircases after their hearts were cut out and placed in a statue of a stone eagle.
In the temple site remnants of wall murals have been restored to display some of the original colors. Carvings of serpents and frogs are repeated in many of the structures. Probably the most notable artifact in this area is the Wall of Skulls, a panel of human skulls covered with stucco.
Adjacent to the site a beautiful museum has been built to display more than 6000 pieces from the excavation. Among the many exhibits are found two identical life-sized clay statues of Aztecs warriors in eagle costumes. The exhibits do a superb job of depicting the variety and splendor of the Aztec Empire.
As I conclude my visit, I could not help but thinking about the contrast between this corruption of the use of temples and our understanding of the true purpose of temples . The concluding chapters of the Book of Mormon describe the fallen and depraved state of the Lamanite and Nephite peoples. The similarities are striking. What a contrast to temples built to the Holiness of the Lord.
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6 comments:
Depraved sounds about right! That seems like a really interesting place though, amazing they were able to find all of that. Did you post this one yourselves? You're becoming real bloggers! Awesome.
Impressive blogging skills! Remember, the first time is the worst! It can only get better from here.
Looks like a cool place. Did you run into Indiana Jones while there?
That is really cool! I am also impressed that you blogged yourself! See? You aren't so old! Some dogs can learn new tricks! That story is interesting!
Maybe something like this shouldn't be glamorized and restored, but then how else are we going to really know how low people can sink in a society. Interesting though how archeology substantiates what we already knew.
THANK YOU FOR THE BLOGS. Our son is leaving everything that he owns and is moving to MEXICO TO MARRY HIS SWEETHEART in the Mexico City Temple on December 5th. I don't think we will be able to be there with him. Leaving Idaho after 10 years running a Spanish radio station and going to San Miguel to live is both frightening and exciting for all of us. Your blogs have given me some peace and insights into the sights of mexico City and the workings of the Temple there. Thank you soo much. Our friends, Dr. Roger Brunt and his wife Diane will be down there shortly in January to serve another mission for the Church. Idaho Falls will miss them. You are blessed to have the Brunts and our son . They will be a great addition. Than you again for your phots and insights. Our prayers anre with you. ifgrandma@gmail.com
Hmm, this entry was one month ago. I think we need an update! :)
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