The Aztec calendar, also known as the Sun Stone or the Stone of the Five Eras, is a fascinating artifact created by the ancient Aztec civilisation.
The Aztec calendar is a round stone slab that measures about 12 feet in diameter and weighs over 24 tons. It is covered in intricate carvings and symbols that represent the Aztec’s understanding of time and the universe. The calendar consists of two interlocking wheels: the first one represents the sacred calendar or the Tonalpohualli consisting of 260 days and the second one represents the solar calendar or the Xiuhpohualli, consists of 365 days divided into 18 months, with each month having 20 days.
Both calendars were significant to the Aztec people as they helped them plan their agricultural activities, religious ceremonies, and other important events. The combination of the Tonalpohualli and Xiuhpohualli allowed the Aztecs to keep track of time and maintain harmony with the natural world.
The carvings on the Aztec calendar stone also depict various gods and symbols representing creation, time, and the cycles of life. It’s a beautiful and intricate work of art that offers insights into the Aztec civilisation’s deep understanding of astronomy and their connection to the cosmos.
