Unit 12 : Aztecs and Incas: Tenochtitlán and Machu Picchu

Name of Aztec Capital

Tenochtitlan

Name/Function

Chinampas

"floating gardens" because they involve creating artificial islands on bodies of water.

Temple

The Great Temple: Structure & Symbolism

Double Pyramid Structure:

The Great Temple was a double pyramid dedicated to two gods:

Huitzilopochtli (Sun God): Represented by the south half of the temple, associated with warfare, hunting, and fire.

Tlaloc (Rain God): Represented by the north half of the temple, associated with rain, agriculture, and the earth.

This duality symbolized the balance between essential natural and cultural forces in Aztec life.

Final Version of the Temple:

The completed structure, as it is known from historical records, was finalized in 1487.

The Great Temple (Templo Mayor) was at the heart of Tenochtitlan’s ceremonial and spiritual life.

Geographically, it was aligned with volcanoes Popocatépetl and Ixtaccihuatl and astronomically oriented to align with natural events, such as seasonal equinoxes and the sun’s movements.

The Aztecs’ understanding of astronomy, geography, and mythology informed their design of sacred spaces.

The Temple of Quetzalcoatl’s orientation signified mythological prophecy and the idea of celestial cycles reflecting spiritual truths.

Name

Machu Picchu was likely a royal estate and ceremonial retreat built by Pachacuti to solidify his divine status.

Estimated to have had around 300 permanent residents, Machu Picchu would have swelled in size when Pachacuti and his royal court visited, possibly housing up to 1,000 individuals

The site symbolized the emperor's connection to the divine through its location in a sacred, natural environment.

The Spanish conquest did not uncover or destroy Machu Picchu, allowing it to remain well-preserved.

The "rediscovery" by archaeologists in the early 20th century brought Machu Picchu to global attention.

Format

Machu Picchu is geographically isolated and situated in a sacred mountainous environment.

The Urubamba River, flowing around the site, is seen as a huaca (spiritual presence) that embraces Machu Picchu.

The mountains (Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu, Putucusi) symbolize sacred connections to the heavens and spiritual power.

This sacred geographical understanding reflects the Inca's worldview and their belief system that intertwined natural landscapes with spirituality.

These mountains and their continued sacred significance highlight the enduring cultural practices and beliefs of the Quechua people.

Rocks

Some rocks at Machu Picchu were intentionally shaped to reflect the profiles of nearby sacred mountains, integrating natural and architectural symbolism.

Pointer stones at Machu Picchu point toward Mt. Salcantay, emphasizing its spiritual importance and aligning the sacred retreat with larger religious landscapes.

Machu Picchu’s design symbolizes a deep connection between nature, spirituality, and Incan cosmological beliefs.

These elements reveal how the Inca used symbolic architecture to connect their settlements with divine geography, ritual practices, and their understanding of the natural world.

Name of Temple

The Temple of the Condor is a sacred space at Machu Picchu built in response to a natural rock formation that resembles the outstretched wings of a condor.

This rock was intentionally incorporated into religious architecture as a symbol of spiritual significance and cosmological beliefs.

The condor served as a bridge between the earthly and divine worlds, emphasizing the connection between nature, spirituality, and human activity.

The design of the Temple of the Condor demonstrates the Inca's architectural ingenuity in integrating sacred natural features into their ceremonial and religious spaces.

Name/design

The agricultural terraces are a reflection of the Inca's ability to overcome challenging topography and integrate human activity with the environment.

The separation by the Main Drain symbolizes a clear demarcation of functional zones: agricultural production and spiritual or administrative leadership.

The strategic use of the natural landscape to divide spaces shows Incan reverence for the land and their ability to engineer it for both symbolic and practical purposes.

Name/Function

Astronomical Observatory:

The Temple of the Sun (Torreon) was a solar observatory used to determine the June solstice and zenith passage date.

Solstice Alignment:

The northeast window aligns with the rising sun on the winter solstice, creating a beam of light that forms a rectangle on a granite slab.

Cultural Importance:

It was the most important structure at Machu Picchu, serving as both a spiritual center and the urban focus.

Historical Significance:

Many Incan astronomical structures were destroyed by the Spanish; the Temple of the Sun is a rare surviving example of their advanced knowledge and engineering.

Name/Function

Natural Astronomical Site:

Intimachay is a natural cavern with an eastern-facing window aligned with the summer solstice.

Solstice Light Phenomenon:

For 10 days before and after the solstice, the sun’s rays pass through the window and illuminate the cave’s deepest recesses.

Ceremonial Use:

Linked to Capac Raymi, the Royal Feast of the Sun, noble boys underwent initiation into manhood here through an ear-piercing ritual during the solstice.

Cultural & Spiritual Significance:

This site highlights the Inca’s advanced astronomical understanding and their integration of celestial events into religious ceremonies.

Name/Function

Sacred Ritual Stone: Intihuatana

Carved directly from bedrock atop a small mountain northwest of Machu Picchu.

Astrological Significance:

Known as "hitching post for the Sun" (Quechua).

Aligned with the equinoxes: March 21 & September 21, when the Sun is directly overhead, casting no shadow at midday.

Connection to Huayna Picchu:

Its form interacts with Huayna Picchu mountain, though the full meaning is unclear.

Cultural & Historical Context:

Considered extremely sacred by the Incas.

One of the few surviving Intihuatana stones, as many were destroyed by the Spanish, who viewed them as idolatrous.

Name/Function

Civil Engineering Marvel:

Machu Picchu was constructed through advanced civil engineering, including building terraces and managing water distribution.

Inca's Mastery of Hydraulics:

The Inca created sophisticated water supply and drainage systems, which still function today, despite being abandoned for nearly 400 years.

The Inca Spring:

This natural spring supplies fresh water to the site, brought via a 2,457-foot canal.

Water Management System:

A series of terraces capture mountain run-off, supplementing the main canal.

Water flows through the agricultural sector, crosses the main drain, and enters the residential district.

Efficient Distribution:

The water is distributed through 16 fountains, ensuring supply throughout the settlement.

Stairs function as drains

Name

Temple of the moon

A natural cavern located on Huayna Picchu and considered one of the most famous features at the site.