Created 21-Aug-09
Modified 21-Aug-09
The pyramid of Tenayuca is located in San Bartolo Tenayuca in Tlalnepantla de Baz, in the State of Mexico. It is almost surrounded by modern day Mexico City.
Tenayuca is actually located North of the Distrito Federal (Mexico City) just off of Av de los Ciem Metros about 6km North of the Terminal del Norte. The pyramid that survives the city state that was there is an excellent example of the type of construction linking the Toltecs with the Aztecs.
Tenayuca's surviving pyramid is an almost exact duplicate of the pyramid's of Tlateloco and Tenochititlan except the pyramid is much smaller. At Tenayuca the pyramid structure and monumental double stareway are intact and in excellent condition.
This is the sixth building of a pyramid upon another at Tenayuca. The first was built in the thirteenth century and is almost completely contained within the newest structure.
The most distinguishing decor of the pyramid is the display of interlocking stone serpents that must have surrounded the entire building. There are over 100 serpents still in place. Today they are located on three sides of the pyramid only.
There are also two coiled serpents. Each representing Xiuhcoatl, the Fire Serpent. One on the North face of the pyramid and another at the South face. They are also known as the "Turquoise Serpents". Their crests are crowned with stars and they are aligned with the sun's position when rising and setting at Solstice!
© Alice Coyl