DOCSLIB.ORG

On the Orientation of Precolumbian Buildings in Central Mexico

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
On the Orientation of Precolumbian Buildings in Central Mexico 510 AMERICAN ANTIQUITY [Vol. 41, No. 4, 1976] Guernsey, Samuel James expedition. Bureau of American Ethnology 9th 1931 Explorations in northeastern Arizona. Pea? Annual Report, 1887-88, pp. 3-441. body Museum of American Archaeology and Neuman, Robert Ethnology, Harvard University, Papers 12(1). 1967 Atlatl weights from certain sites on the Hill, Malcolm W. northern and central Great Plains. American 1948 The atlatl or throwing stick: a recent study Antiquity 32:36-53. of atlatls in use with darts of various sizes. Parker, Arthur C. Tennessee Archaeologist 4:37-44. 1917 Notes on the banner stone with some Kidder, A. V., and S. J. Guernsey inquiries as to its purpose. New York State 1919 Archaeological explorations in northeastern Museum Bulletin 196:165-76. Arizona. Bureau of American Ethnology, Peets, Orville H. Bulletin 65. 1960 Experiments in the use of atlatl weights. 1921 Basket-Maker caves in northeastern Arizona. American Antiquity 26:108-10. Peabody Museum of American Archaeology Spencer, B., and F. J. Gillen and Ethnology, Harvard University, Papers 1899 The native tribes of central Australia. 8(2). London. Mallam,R. Clark Sweatman, John from 1971 An atlatl weight southeast Nebraska. 1848 Journal of a surveying voyage to the north? Plains Anthropologist 16:123-24. east coast of A ustralia and Torres' Sts, in Her Mason, J. Alden Maj. Schooner, Bramble, Lieut. C. B. Yule, of 1928 Some unusual spear throwers ancient Commander, 184247. Mitchell Library, MS. Museum Journal 19:290-324. America. The Al725. Cambridge. University of Pennsylvania. Webb, William S. Clayton Mau, 1946 Indian Knoll. University of Kentucky, 1963 Experiments with the spear thrower. The in 4(3, 1). New York State Archaeological Association Reports Anthropology pt Bulletin 29:1-13. Webb, William S., and David L. De Jarnette 1942 An of Pickwick Basin McGregor, John C. archaeological survey of the states of 1965 Southwestern archaeology. University of in the adjacent portions Bureau Illinois Press, Urbana. Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. of Bulletin 129. Metcalf, George, and Harold Carlson American Ethnology, 1971 An atlatl weight from North Dakota. Plains Webb, William S., and William G. Haag Anthropologist 16:121-22. 1939 The Chiggerville shell heap in Ohio County. Murdoch, John Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, 1892 Ethnological results of the Point Barrow University of Kentucky, Publication 4(1). ON THE ORIENTATION OF PRECOLUMBIAN BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL MEXICO Anthony F. Aveni Sharon L. Gibbs A tendency for many precolumbian buildings toyalign east of north is examined for possible astronomical motives. Stellar and solar phenomena are suggested as possible influences. The importance of clearly establishing the relative positions of observer and point of reference in any archaeo-astronomical analysis is emphasized. Certain misconceptions concerning chronological correlations of alignments and a new dimension in establishing orientations are discussed. One fact which emerges from a careful study sites, and that architects copied the sacred of the orientation of many precolumbian build? direction by laying out an astronomical baseline ings of Central Mexico is the tendency for their at the model site and transferring it to the new north-south axes to align slightly east of ceremonial centers. This same orientation ap? astronomical north. In an earlier paper, Aveni pears in the Toltec period buildings at Chichen (1975) reported that, on the basis of measure? Itza (Aveni, Gibbs, and Hartung 1975). The ments made with a surveyor's transit, three present paper reports the results of measure? Central Mexican sites (Tepozteco, Tenayuca, ments taken with a transit during January 1974 and Tula) possess nearly the same orientation as at ten additional sites in Central Mexico and Teotihuacan (15? 25' E of N). It is likely that suggests possible astronomical motives for the Teotihuacan served as a model for the other orientations thus found. REPORTS 511 The orientations of all Central Mexican sites We find no correlation between site axiality studied to date are listed in Table 1. The and site latitude or time of construction. The measuring techniques employed and range of axis of Cuicuilco, the earliest building of those accuracy have been discussed elsewhere (Aveni we measured, shows a clockwise skew ranging 1975). Building periods range from approxi? from 1?43' to 7?38', depending upon which mately 500 B.C. to A.D. 1500, but because of measurement can be accepted given the ruined the uncertainty of the dates of completion of state of the stairway leading to the top of the many structures, exact times are excluded from building. On the other hand, the Teopanzolco the table. Fig. 1 is a polar diagram showing the pyramid in Cuernavaca, one of the latest averaged orientation of each measured site. In precolumbian buildings to be constructed, has all 14 cases the axes are skewed clockwise from its outer face skewed clockwise from the the cardinal directions, ranging from 0?25' E of cardinal points by only 00?43'. At Tlatelolco, N at Xochicalco to 27?05' E of N for the the largest structure exhibits nine different Teotihuacan period ball court at Manzanilla, building phases. The orientations range between Puebla. In no case is an axis displaced counter- 7?39' and 11?47' E of N, but again no clockwise from the cardinal directions. systematic time variation is found to occur. N ? E Fig. 1. Axial orientations of Central Mexican ceremonial centers. The orientations shown in Table 1 are averaged for a given site. Both Xochicalco orientations are shown. 512 AMERICAN ANTIQUITY [Vol. 41, No. 4, 1976] Table 1. Orientation of buildings determined with surveyor's transit. Site Structure Alignment Orientation Remarks Teotihuacan Street of Dead Axis 15? 25' E of N Ref. Million (1974) Lat. 19?42'N Long. 98?51'W E-W Street Axis 16?30'SofE Ref. Million (1974) Ciudadela Principal axis 16?55'SofE Ref. Million (1974) Tenayuca Pyramid Base of steps on West 17 42 WofS Building faces West. Lat. 19?31'N wall looking South Postclassic Long. 99?11'W South wall looking West 16? 27' N of W Tepozteco Temple Base of steps on West 18?00' W of S Building faces West. Lat. 19?00'N wall looking South Postclassic Long. 99?06'W Tula Temple B Base of steps on South 17? 10' N of W Building faces South Lat. 20?05'N wall looking West Long. 99?24'W North Ballcourt West wall looking North 16? 25' EofN Axis of ballcourt is 17?06' EofN E-W South wall looking East 14?55' SofE 14?13'SofE East Ballcourt West wall looking North 15?04' EofN Axis of ballcourt is N-S Tula Chica Base of steps looking 09? 02' EofN Building faces East. Circular Temple North Postclassic Tenoch titlan Templo Major South wall looking 07? 06'SofE Building faces West. Lat. 19?27'N East Postclassic Long. 99? 08'W Tlatelolco Principal structure West walls looking North 11?47' EofN 9 consecutive Lat. 19?28'N 09?57' EofN building phases, Long. 99? 08'W 09?43' EofN listed in chronolog- 09?36' EofN gical order top to 08?58' EofN bottom. Building 09?30' EofN faces West. 09?09' EofN Postclassic 09?30' EofN 07?39' EofN Teotenango Base of acropolis West stairway looking 13?33' EofN Single measurement Lat. 19?08'N North on western base. Long. 99?35'W Postclassic Teopanzolco Principal structure Base of steps on West 00?43' EofN Building faces West. Lat. 18?49'N wall looking North Postclassic Long 99? 17'W Cuicuilco Circular temple Various portions of 07?38' EofN Building faces East. Lat. 19?18'N base of steps looking 05?42'EofN Preclassic Long. 99?11'W North 01?43' EofN Calixtlahuaca Temple of Tlaloc Base of steps on East 01?50' WofS Building faces East. Lat. 19?20'N wall looking South Postclassic Long. 99?40'W Temple of Base of steps on East 01? 12' WofS Building faces East. Quetzalcoatl wall looking South Postclassic (Circular temple) Chalcatzingo Steps leading to Base of steps (lower) 17? 17'SofE Building faces North. Lat. 18?42'N principal reliefs looking East Preclassic Long. 98?46'W Base of steps (upper) 21?22'Sof E looking East REPORTS 513 Table 1. (Continued) Site Structure Alignment Orientation Remarks Cholula Base of Adosada South face looking 26? 16' S of E Building faces West. Lat. 19?03'N East Classic Long. 98? 18'W Manzanilla Teotihuacan period Axis 27?05' N of W Axis of ballcourt is Lat. 19?08'N ballcourt E-W. Classic Long. 98?08'W Aztec period South wall looking 27? 02' N of W Axis of ballcourt is ballcourt West E-W. Postclassic Xochicalco Structure E South wall looking 00? 25' N of W Building faces South Lat. 18?47'N West Long. 99?17'W Ballcourt South wall looking 00?44' N of W Axis of ballcourt is West E-W Temple of Plumed Base of steps on West 16?45' W of S Building faces West. Serpent wall looking South 17? 13' WofS Classic At some sites a conscious effort to preserve a "the priest and worshippers doubtless faced to the to watch the in the particular alignment in spite of intervening east, sun rise space between the two oratories." [See Fig. 2]. terrain is indicated. Two temples at Calixtla- huaca are good examples. They align nearly Maudslay's inference is further supported by a in the same direction even precisely though 1524 map of the Aztec capital which shows a are 100 meters and at different they apart face representing the sun flanked by the twin the measured axes are directed 1?50' elevations; temples (Huicholobos) on the top of the SofE and 1?12' S of E.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Postclassic Aztec Figurines and Domestic Ritual
    Copyright by Maribel Rodriguez 2010 The Thesis Committee for Maribel Rodriguez Certifies that this is the approved version of the following thesis: Postclassic Aztec Figurines and Domestic Ritual APPROVED BY SUPERVISING COMMITTEE: Supervisor: Julia Guernsey David Stuart Postclassic Aztec Figurines and Domestic Ritual by Maribel Rodriguez, B.A. Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of The University of Texas at Austin in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts The University of Texas at Austin December 2010 Dedication Esto esta dedicado en especial para mi familia. Acknowledgements There are my academicians and friends I would like to extend my sincere gratitude. This research began thanks to Steve Bourget who encouraged and listened to my initial ideas and early stages of brainstorming. To Mariah Wade and Enrique Rodriguez-Alegria I am grateful for all their help, advice, and direction to numerous vital resources. Aztec scholars Michael Smith, Jeffrey and Mary Parsons, Susan T. Evans, and Salvador Guilliem Arroyo who provided assistance in the initial process of my research and offered scholarly resources and material. A special thank you to my second reader David Stuart for agreeing to be part of this project. This research project was made possible from a generous contribution from the Art and Art History Department Traveling grant that allowed me the opportunity to travel and complete archival research at the National American Indian History Museum. I would also like to thank Fausto Reyes Zataray for proofreading multiple copies of this draft; Phana Phang for going above and beyond to assist and support in any way possible; and Lizbeth Rodriguez Dimas and Rosalia Rodriguez Dimas for their encouragement and never ending support.
    [Show full text]
  • Michael E. Smith Curriculum Vitae for Posting Feb
    Michael E. Smith Curriculum Vitae For Posting Feb. 1, 2020 Email: [email protected] Home page: https://asu.academia.edu/MichaelESmith ResearcherID: A-2935-2008; ORCID identification no: 0000-0002-0677-8206; Scopus: 55495919500 Address School of Human Evolution & Social Change Phone: 480-727-9520 (office) Box 872402 480-272-3308 (cell) Arizona State University Tempe, AZ 85287-2402 Office: SHESC-104C Education • Ph.D., Anthropology, 1983: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (8/79 - 8/82). • MA, Anthropology, 1979: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (8/75 - 12/78). • BA, Anthropology, 1975: Brandeis University, Waltham, MA (9/71 - 12/74); (degree awarded Magna Cum Laude with Highest Honors in Anthropology. Present Positions • Professor, School of Human Evolution & Social Change, Arizona State University (2005 - ). • Director, ASU Teotihuacan Research Laboratory (2015 - ). • Affiliated faculty, School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, ASU (2013 - ). • Core faculty, Center for Social Dynamics and Complexity (2013 - ). • Fellow, ASU-SFI Center for Biosocial Complex Systems (2014 - ). • Investigador especial, El Colegio Mexiquense (2007 - ). Past Academic Positions • University at Albany, SUNY, Department of Anthropology: Professor, 1996-2005; Associate Professor, 1991-1996. • Loyola University of Chicago, Department of Sociology and Anthropology: Associate Professor, 1988-1990; Assistant Professor, 1983-1988; Lecturer, 1982. Visiting Academic Positions • Aarhus University, Centre for Urban Network Evolutions (School of Culture and Society), Visiting Professor, April – July, 2018. • University of Bonn, Research Training Group 1878, Archaeology of Pre-Modern Economies. Mercator Fellow, May – July, 2017. Research Areas • Mesoamerican archaeology and ethnohistory: Specialist in Aztecs and Teotihuacan. • Comparative urbanism: Premodern neighborhoods & urban life; urban scaling of premodern cities; modern relevance of ancient cities.
    [Show full text]
  • AZTEC ARCHITECTURE -Part 1 by MANUEL AGUILAR-MORENO, Ph.D
    AZTEC ARCHITECTURE -Part 1 by MANUEL AGUILAR-MORENO, Ph.D. PHOTOGRAPHY: FERNANDO GONZLEZ Y GONZLEZ AND MANUEL AGUILAR-MORENO, Ph.D. DRAWINGS: LLUVIA ARRAS, FONDA PORTALES, ANNELYS PÉREZ, RICHARD PERRY AND MARIA RAMOS. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Symb lism TYPES OF ARCHITECTURE General C nstructi n f Pyramid-Temples Temples Types f pyramids R und Pyramids T,in Stair Pyramids Shrines -Ad rat ri s) Early Capital Cities City-State Capitals Ballc urts A.ueducts and Dams Mar/ets Gardens BUILDING MATERIALS AND TECHNI0UES THE PRECINCT OF TENOCHTITLAN Intr ducti n Urbanism Cerem nial Pla1a -Interi r f the Sacred Precinct2 The Great Temple Myths Symb li1ed in the Great Temple C nstructi n Stages F und in the Archae l gical E4cavati ns f the Great Temple C nstructi n Phase I C nstructi n Phase II C nstructi n Phase III C nstructi n Phase I6 C nstructi n Phase 6 C nstructi n Phase 6I C nstructi n Phase 6II Emper r7s Palaces H mes f the Inhabitants Chinampas Ballc urts Temple utside the Sacred Precinct OTHER CITIES Tenayuca The Pyramid 8all f Serpents T mb-Altar Sta. Cecilia Acatitlan The Pyramid Te pan1 lc Tlatel lc The Temple f the Calendar Temple f Ehecatl-0uet1alc atl Sacred 8ell Priests7 Residency The Mar/etplace Tet1c t1inc Civic M numents Shrines Hue4 tla The 8all La C munidad -The C mmunity2 La Estancia -The Hacienda2 Santa Maria Gr up San Marc s Santiag The Ehecatl- 0uet1alc atl Building Tep 1tlan The Pyramid-Temple f Tep 1tlan Cali4tlahuaca Temple f Ehecatl-0uet1alc atl The Tlal c Cluster The Calmecac Gr up Ballc urt C atetelc Malinalc Temple I -Cuauhcalli2 9 Temple f the Eagle and :aguar Knights Temple II Temple III Temple I6 Temple 6 Temple 6I Figures Bibli graphy INTRODUCTION Az ec archi ec ure reflec s he values and civiliza ion of an e.pire, and s ud0in1 Az ec archi ec ure is ins ru.en al in unders andin1 he his or0 of he Az ecs, includin1 heir .i1ra ion across Me2ico and heir re-enac .en of reli1ious ri uals.
    [Show full text]
  • Cultural Interaction and Biological Distance Among Postclassic Mexican Populations Corey Steven Ragsdale
    University of New Mexico UNM Digital Repository Anthropology ETDs Electronic Theses and Dissertations 5-1-2015 Cultural interaction and biological distance among Postclassic Mexican populations Corey Steven Ragsdale Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/anth_etds Part of the Anthropology Commons Recommended Citation Ragsdale, Corey Steven. "Cultural interaction and biological distance among Postclassic Mexican populations." (2015). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/anth_etds/55 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Electronic Theses and Dissertations at UNM Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Anthropology ETDs by an authorized administrator of UNM Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. i Corey Steven Ragsdale Candidate Anthropology Department This dissertation is approved, and it is acceptable in quality and form for publication: Approved by the Dissertation Committee: Heather JH Edgar, Chairperson Osbjorn Pearson Hillard Kaplan Andrea Cucina Frances Berdan ii CULTURAL INTERACTION AND BIOLOGICAL DISTANCE AMONG POSTCLASSIC MEXICAN POPULATIONS by COREY STEVEN RAGSDALE B.A., Anthropology, California State University, San Bernardino 2009 M.S., Biological Anthropology, University of New Mexico, 2012 DISSERTATION Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Anthropology The University of New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico May, 2015 iii CULTURAL INTERACTION AND BIOLOGICAL DISTANCE AMONG POSTCLASSIC MEXICAN POPULATIONS by Corey Steven Ragsdale B.A., Anthropology, California State University, San Bernardino 2009 M.S., Anthropology, University of New Mexico, 2012 Ph.D., Anthropology, University of New Mexico, 2015 ABSTRACT Human population structure is influenced by cultural and biological interactions. Little is known regarding to what extent cultural interactions effect biological processes such as migration and genetic exchange among prehistoric populations.
    [Show full text]
  • Ceramics and the Spanish Conquest E Early Americas: History and Culture
    Ceramics and the Spanish Conquest e Early Americas: History and Culture General Editor Alexander Geurds, Leiden University Editorial Board Willem Adelaar, Leiden University Nikolai Grube, Bonn University John Hoopes, University of Kansas Maarten Jansen, Leiden University Arthur Joyce, University of Colorado Michael Smith, Arizona State University Eric Taladoire, Sorbonne Laura Van Broekhoven, National Museum of Ethnology, Leiden VOLUME 2 e titles published in this series are listed at brill.nl/eahc Ceramics and the Spanish Conquest Response and Continuity of Indigenous Pottery Technology in Central Mexico By Gilda Hernández Sánchez LEIDEN • BOSTON 2012 e digital edition of this title is published in Open Access. is book is printed on acid-free paper. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Hernández Sánchez, Gilda. Ceramics and the Spanish conquest : response and continuity of indigenous pottery technology in central Mexico / by Gilda Hernández Sánchez. p. cm. — (e early Americas: history and culture vol.2) Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-90-04-20440-9 (hardback : alk. paper) 1. Indian pottery—Mexico. 2. Indians of Mexico—Material culture. 3. Indians of Mexico— Antiquities. 4. Pottery cra—Mexico—History. 5. Mexico—Antiquities. 6. Mexico— History—Conquest, 1519-1540. 7. Mexico—History—Spanish colony, 1540-1810. I. Title. F1219.3.P8H37 2012 972’.01—dc23 2011035865 ISSN 1875-3264 ISBN 978 90 04 20440 9 Copyright 2012 by Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, e Netherlands. Koninklijke Brill NV incorporates the imprints Brill, Global Oriental, Hotei Publishing, IDC Publishers, Martinus Nijho Publishers and VSP. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, translated, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.
    [Show full text]
  • Viollet-Le-Duc Y La Restauración Arqueológica En El Valle De México: Una Revisión DANIEL SCHÁVELZON
    Viollet-le-Duc y la restauración arqueológica en el Valle de México: una revisión DANIEL SCHÁVELZON Resumen: El Templo Mayor de México fue restaurado, y siguen sus obras. Pero en ninguno de los mil libros sobre él se definen los criterios que determinaran que se lo hiciera de una manera y no de otra. Y en ese caso el por qué se tomaron esas decisiones. La arquitectura del Valle, desde Teotihuacan, Tenayuca, Teopanzolco y tantos otros casos, se restaura dejando liberadas las escaleras, cosa que jamás se haría en ciudades mayas o zapotecas o de la región costeña. Este criterio se remonta a una “mirada” de los hallazgos hecha por Leopoldo Batres en Templo Mayor en 1900 y que puso en evidencia material Manuel Gamio. Luego la concretó José Reygadas Vértiz. Pudo hacerse en Teotihuacan con la apropiación de un método teórico, la estratigrafía. Gracias a esa nueva forma de entender el pasado, Reygadas Vértiz y su ayudante Ignacio Marquina, como ingenieros y arquitectos, lograron definir el método para consolidar esas estructuras. Quedó así instalado el método hasta la actualidad. La decisión de cómo restaurar y mostrar el edificio no es “natural”, ni casual, ni obvio, es el resultado de un posicionamiento conceptual definido que espera ser estudiado en profundidad. Este texto analiza algunas restauraciones de sitios prehispánicos en México a la luz de las ideas de Viollet-le-Duc. Palabras clave: Viollet-le-Duc, Templo Mayor, restauración, México, arquitectura prehispánica Abstract: The Templo Mayor of Mexico was restored, and the works continue. But nowhere in the thousand books about it can one find the criteria determining why it was done in one way and not another.
    [Show full text]
  • Taxco & Cuernavaca
    b538217 Ch05.qxd 9/22/03 8:58 AM Page 136 5 Inland to Old Mexico: Taxco & Cuernavaca It may seem as if the small towns in this region of Mexico are try- ing to capitalize on recent trends in travel toward spas and self- exploration, but in reality, they’ve helped define them. From the restorative properties of thermal waters and earth-based spa treat- ments to delving into the mystical and spiritual properties of gem- stones and herbs, the treasures and knowledge in these towns have existed for years—and, in some cases, for centuries. This chapter covers Taxco and Cuernavaca, two towns that fea- ture the artistry of Old Mexico. The legendary silver city of Taxco is renowned for its museums, picturesque hillside colonial-era charm, and, of course, its silver shops. Verdant Cuernavaca, known as the land of eternal spring, has gained a reputation for its excep- tional spa facilities and its wealth of cultural and historic attractions. Other good bets in this area include the venerable thermal spas at Ixtapan de la Sal and their more modern counterparts in Valle de Bravo (both north of Taxco and southwest of Mexico City). To the Northeast of Cuernavaca, Tepoztlán’s enigmatic charms and leg- endary pyramid captivate the few travelers who find their way there. 1 Taxco: Cobblestones & Silver ™ 111 miles (178km) SW of Mexico City; 50 miles (80km) SW of Cuernavaca; 185 miles (296km) NE of Acapulco In Mexico and around the world, the town of Taxco de Alarcón— most commonly known simply as Taxco (tahs-koh)—is synony- mous with silver.
    [Show full text]
  • Smith, ME. the Aztec Empire. in the Aztec World
    SEVEN THE AZTEC EMPIRE ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY The Empire of the Triple Alliance-often called the Aztec empire-occupied a somewhat para- doxical place in Aztec history and society. On the one hand the empire was the dominant politi- cal and economic force in central Mexico at the time of Spanish conquest (1521). Many or most of the best-known art objects from Aztec culture were produced for imperial rulers and elites, and they only make sense within the context of the empire. On the other hand, the effects of Aztec imperialism on people were sometimes quite modest. Unlike the Roman or Inkan emper- ors, whose armies and bureaucrats interfered greatly in provincial society, Aztec emperors were content to leave things alone in the provinces so long as people paid their taxes. In this essay I explore this paradox, emphasizing two aspects of Aztec imperialism: its effects on people and its manifestation in art and archaeology. The rise to power of Tenochtitlan, the dominant imperial capital, is a dramatic story that is preserved in numerous official historical accounts written down after the Spanish conquest. The chronicle includes dramatic battles, courtly intrigue, and a story of religious predestination in which the gods guided and protected the Mexica rulers and people on their imperial journey. But in order to understand the empire, we need to begin with its background of city-states (altepetl in Nahuatl). BACKGROUND TO EMPIRE: AZTEC CITY-STATES (ALTEPETL) The ancestors of the Aztec peoples migrated to central Mexico from a semi-mythical northern homeland they called Aztlan. When groups of immigrants settled in the valleys of highland central Mexico-most likely during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries A.D.-they established dozens of small, independent kingdoms, the altepetl (see Chapter 2).
    [Show full text]
  • Crossing Borders: Gender and Social Change in Mesoamerica
    Crossing Borders: Gender and Social Change in Mesoamerica International Business and Global Citizenship Program Manual Fall 2014 Return to top FALL SEMSTER IN MEXICO 2014 – PROGRAM MANUAL Table of Contents I. ACADEMIC INFORMATION A. Faculty and Staff in Mexico B. Who to Contact C. Information about Courses 1. Registration Information and Deadlines 2. Guidelines and Recommendation for Course Registration 3. Course Options with Brief Descriptions of Each Course 4. General Course Information D. Related Components of the Academic Program 1. Living/Learning Environment 3. Social Change Lab Group 4. Speaking Spanish 5. Homestay II. GENERAL INFORMATION A. Required Travel Documents 1. Passport Requirements 2. Visa Requirements and Tourist Cards B. Health and Safety Matters 1. Safety Concerns 2. Common Health Concerns 3. Other Health Concerns 4. HIV/AIDS 5. Health Care Providers 6. Alcohol and Drug Abuse 7. Immunizations 8. Diarrhea, Cholera, Typhoid and Dysentery Prevention 9. Health Insurance C. Arrival and Departure Information 1. Arrival and Departure Dates and Times 2. Storage Facilities after Semester Ends D. Locale and Facilities 1. Cuernavaca 2. Currency Exchange 3. Time 4. Weather Conditions 5. Housing: Facilities and House Rules 6. Roommate Assignments 7. Dates Housing is Available 8. Key and Linen Deposit 9. Housing/Room Rentals for Family and Friends Return to top F. Communication 1. Mailing Address 2. CGE Communication with Parents 3. Phone Numbers and Cell Phones 4. Computers, Email, and Internet Access 5. Library Resources H. Travel Within Mexico 1. Weekend Travel 2. Fall Break 3. Optional Travel after Program Ends 4. Visits from Family and Friend 5. Hotel Information I.
    [Show full text]
  • Travel Guide CUERNAVACA Contetns
    Travel Guide CUERNAVACA Contetns DISCOVER CUERNAVACA 01 CUERNAVACA PROFILE 02 CUERNAVACA ATTRACTIONS 03 CUERNAVACA DINING 12 CUERNAVACA SHOPPING 15 CUERNAVACA NIGHTLIFE 17 THINGS TO DO IN CUERNAVACA 18 DISCOVER CUERNAVACA Known as “The City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant climate throughout the year, Cuernavaca is the capital of the Mexican state of Morelos. The city’s magic and culture date from ancient times and make Cuernavaca the perfect vacation destination for travelers who wish to admire the natural beauty of flora and fauna, archeological sites and beautiful town squares with historic colonial buildings. With lovely weather, natural attractions and a great location near Mexico City, Cuernavaca is often a preferred destination for both national and international travelers. VACATION CITY Cuernavaca is a popular weekend getaway destination for residents of Mexico City thanks to its excellent climate and convenient location. This does not appear to be a recent trend as the habit of visiting Cuernavaca has existed since the time of the Aztecs. Before the Spanish conquest, the Aztec emperors would travel from the heart of Mexico City (known then as Tenochtitlan) while “sitting on their thrones”. A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY Cuernavaca has been inhabited since 1200 B.C., making it one of the oldest cities in the country. Hernan Cortes retired here and built a castle where he lived until 1540, when he returned to Spain. Father Jose Ma. Morelos y Pavon was entrenched in Cuautla de Amilpas for a few weeks during the Mexican War of independence, and Cuernavaca was even the capital of Mexico for a few days! As far back as the pre-Hispanic era, celebrities have chosen Cuernavaca as their place of residence or preferred vacation spot, including Aztec emperors, Hernan Cortes, Maximilian of Hapsburg, Plutarco Elias Calles and the great psychologist and writer Erich Fromm.
    [Show full text]
  • Archaeological Sites in Morelos
    Archaeological Sites in Morelos Barbara Konieczna* he diversity of climates, soil, flora and fau - dominions of Mesoamerica. This made possible na, as well as the physiography of what is the concentration in Morelos of a mosa ic of pre- Tnow the state of Morelos was the de ter - Hispanic cultural elements from the vast region min ing factor in the establishment of a great many of Mesoamerica that the local population assi mi - human settlements there in the pre-His panic pe - lated and molded with its own particular stamp. ri od because the inhabitants had count less re - The oldest settlements known in Morelos sources for both subsistence and trade. The date from approximately 1500 B.C., or the begin - roads through its valleys and lake basins were ning of the middle pre-classic period, when used for traveling to other cultural regions, thus humanity adopted a fully agricultural village life. favoring trade that extended to the most remote These settlements were established near water, a basic requirement for sedentary existence and producing agricultural surpluses. Gualupita, Ce - * Archaeologist. Researcher at the National Institute of Anthropology and History Morelos Center. rritos, Cuautlixco, Yautepec, Tlaltizapan, Olin te - Photos reproduced by permission of the National Ins ti - pec, Nexpa and Chalcat zingo are some of the tute of Anthropology and History. CONACULTA -INAH -MEX archaeological sites from that period. a í u g n u M l e i n a D y b s o t o h P Xochicalco. Voices of Mexico • 55 Flower, Chalcatzingo. The King, Chalcatzingo. inhabitants built big rooms (some 8 to 10 meters long) over a broad area at the foot of large rocks.
    [Show full text]
  • Proyecto De Conservación Y Restauración Del Centro Ceremonial De Tenayuca
    DIVISIÓN DE CIENCIAS Y ARTES PARA EL DISEÑO Especialización, Maestría y Doctorado en Diseño PROYECTO DE CONSERVACIÓN Y RESTAURACIÓN DEL CENTRO CEREMONIAL DE TENAYUCA Beatriz Zúñiga Bárcenas Trabajo terminal para optar por el Diploma de Especialización en Diseño Opción: Restauración y Conservación del Patrimonio Construido Miembros del Jurado: Mtra. María Teresa Guadalupe Martínez Herrera Profesora del Taller de Diseño III Dr. Francisco José Santos Zertuche Dr. José Silvestre Revueltas Valle Mtra. María del Carmen Bernárdez de la Granja México, Distrito Federal Septiembre de 2015 A mi restaurador de sueños y castillos en el aire AGRADECIMIENTOS Quiero agradecer a los profesores de la Especialidad en Restauración Conservación del Patrimonio Construido por su acompañamiento durante los cursos de la especialidad y por su asesoría para estructurar este documento. Además, a la maestra María Teresa Martínez le agradezco sus indicaciones y el estímulo constante para el desarrollo del proyecto desde el inicio de la especialidad. A la maestra María del Carmen Bernárdez por enseñarnos que un monumento no está aislado e introducirnos en el campo de la teoría de la restauración y el urbanismo. Al doctor José Silvestre Revueltas, gracias por su orientación en el campo de la historia, por las lecturas recomendadas y sobre todo, por su interés en mostrarnos que detrás de cada monumento existe un hecho histórico. A mis compañeros de generación Fernando y Juan les agradezco sus gentilezas y por aceptar los cambios de horario cuando se me dificultaba llegar a clase. A Fer también le debo la digitalización de los planos del monumento de Tenayuca. A mi familia, porque además de brindarme su amor me hacen apreciar la vida y por esas reuniones tan gratas donde no existe la censura.
    [Show full text]