Aztec Sunstone

Introduction

• Large stone calendar from the Aztec Empire.
• Known by many names: Stone of the Sun, Stone of the Five Eras, Stone of the Fifth Sun, Aztec Calendar Stone, Aztec Sunstone.
• Carved in 1479 CE during the reign of Aztec Monarch Aiado.

Discovery

• Found in the main square of Mexico City on December 17, 1790.
• Discovered during repairs to the Mexico City Cathedral ordered by Don W de Monserat.
• Weighs about 24 tons, gray-black basalt, 12 ft in diameter, 3 ft thick.
• Initially placed in the wall of the western tower of the Metropolitan Cathedral.
• Moved to the National Anthropology Museum in 1885.

Historical Context

• Aztec Empire initiated in the 14th century CE.
• Alliance between city-states Teo, Chopan, and Chanakan to defeat the state of Asap Paso.
• Aztecs, also known as Mexic, were prosperous, centered in Tenochtitlan.

Aztec Society

• Society was hierarchical, authoritarian, and militaristic.
• Two main classes: Nobles and Commoners.
• Shared complex religious beliefs, including human sacrifices.

Aztec Sunstone Description

• Consists of four rings.
• Center: Face of the Aztec sun god, Tonatiuh.
• Tonatiuh's symbol: sacrificial flint knife (obsidian), eagle claws holding human hearts.
• Represents importance of human sacrifice for the sun god.

The Legend of the Fifth Sun

• Four solar eras (suns) and periodic destruction and re-creation of the world.
• First Sun: People devoured by Jaguars.
• Second Sun: People destroyed by great winds.
• Third Sun: People destroyed by violent rain of fire.
• Fourth Sun: People destroyed by massive floods.
• Fifth Sun (present for Aztecs): Belief in destruction by earthquakes.
• Symbols on the stone: Jaguar, Wind, Rain, Fire, Water representing the four suns.
• X shape and dots making the hieroglyph for 'Na Olin' or earthquake.

Calendric System

• Two cycles: Xiuhpohualli (365-day calendar) and Tonalpohualli (260-day ritual calendar).
• Xiuhpohualli: 18 months of 20 days + 5 unlucky days (Nemontemi).
• Tonalpohualli: 20 periods of 13 days each (Trecenas), associated with deities.
• Combined Cycles: Form 52-year century called 'Calendar Round'

Ring Breakdown

1. Innermost Circle: 20 glyphs representing days of the month.
2. Next Ring:
   • Small boxes with 5 dots (turquoise, fire symbols).
   • U-shaped forms (feathers).
   • Triangular points (splashes of blood, sacrifices).
   • Square forms with arches (precious ornaments).
   • V-shaped points (sun rays).
3. Outermost Ring:
   • Two fire serpents (Xiuhcoatl).
   • Flames (Xiuhnolli).
   • Meeting at the bottom stone representing the struggle between Tonatiuh and the god of night.

Mayan Calendar Comparison

• Three calendars: Long Count, Tzolk'in (Divine), Haab' (Civil).
• Haab': 365-day solar calendar similar to Xiuhpohualli.
• Tzolk'in: 260-day cycle similar to Tonalpohualli.
• Long Count: Tracks Universal Cycle (~7,885 years).
• Differences in destruction/recreation beliefs (Aztecs: 52 years, Mayans: ~8000 years).

Significance

• Artifact showcases Aztec astronomical and religious beliefs.
• Debate over possible uses: ceremonial altar for human sacrifices vs. astrological reference.
• Represents relationship between gods and humans, and Aztec's calendric system.