Aztec Calendar

Definition

The Aztec Calendar, also known as the Tonalpohualli, is a complex system of timekeeping used by the Aztec civilization, consisting of a 260-day ritual calendar and a 365-day solar calendar. It serves as a symbol of the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Aztecs, illustrating their understanding of time, nature, and the cosmos.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztec Calendar combines both the Tonalpohualli and Xiuhpohualli, demonstrating the duality of sacred and solar time in Aztec culture.
2. Each day in the Tonalpohualli is represented by a unique combination of 20 day signs and 13 numbers, creating a cycle that repeats every 260 days.
3. The Calendar Stone was discovered in Mexico City in 1790 and is often incorrectly referred to as the 'Aztec Sun Stone'; it is a vital representation of their cosmology.
4. The Aztecs believed that time was cyclical rather than linear, which influenced their religious practices, rituals, and understanding of life and death.
5. Significant events such as festivals and agricultural cycles were meticulously planned according to the calendars, reflecting their importance in daily life.

Review Questions

• How does the Aztec Calendar reflect the civilization's beliefs about time and nature?
  • The Aztec Calendar embodies the civilization's belief in cyclical time rather than linear progression. The combination of the Tonalpohualli and Xiuhpohualli emphasizes their understanding of both spiritual and natural worlds, where every day held significance connected to gods, agriculture, and rituals. This interconnectedness shows how deeply rooted these concepts were in daily life and religious practices among the Aztecs.
• In what ways does the iconography of the Calendar Stone serve to communicate Aztec cultural values?
  • The iconography of the Calendar Stone is rich with symbols that convey key aspects of Aztec cultural values, including cosmology, mythology, and the central role of deities. Each element depicted on the stone not only represents a specific god or aspect of nature but also conveys messages about life cycles, sacrifice, and the importance of timekeeping in maintaining harmony with the universe. This visual language serves as an educational tool for understanding their beliefs.
• Evaluate how the structure of both Tonalpohualli and Xiuhpohualli influences modern interpretations of pre-Columbian timekeeping systems.
  • The structure of both Tonalpohualli and Xiuhpohualli challenges modern interpretations by highlighting a sophisticated understanding of time that diverges from Western linear perspectives. Scholars now recognize that these calendars provided frameworks for organizing not just agricultural activities but also spiritual practices. Analyzing these systems promotes a deeper appreciation for indigenous knowledge systems and encourages revisiting historical narratives that often overlook such complexities in pre-Columbian civilizations.

Related terms

Tonalpohualli: The 260-day sacred calendar of the Aztecs, used for divination and religious ceremonies, each day associated with specific gods and omens.

Xiuhpohualli: The 365-day solar calendar of the Aztecs that governed agricultural activities and seasonal festivals, reflecting their connection to the cycles of nature.

Calendar Stone: A monumental stone sculpture that represents the Aztec Calendar, famously depicting the sun god Tonatiuh at its center, and showcasing intricate iconography and symbolism.