The temple is thought to be on the exact spot where the Aztecs saw their symbolic eagle perching on a cactus with a snake though some say Spaniards added this serpent image in its beak β the symbol of Mexico today. In Aztec belief this was, literally, the center of the universe. At the center is a platform dating from about On its southern half, a sacrificial stone stands in front of a shrine to Huizilopochtli, the Aztec war god. By the time the Spanish arrived, a 40m-high double pyramid towered above this spot, with steep twin stairways climbing to shrines of the two gods.
The entrance to the temple site and museum is east of the cathedral, across the hectic Plaza del Templo Mayor , where it's possible to see much of the exterior of the Templo without entering. Authorized tour guides with Sectur ID offer their services by the entrance.
Pride of place is given to the great wheel-like stone of Coyolxauhqui She of Bells on Her Cheek , best viewed from the top-floor vantage point. She is shown decapitated, the result of her murder by Huitzilopochtli her brother, the god of war, the sun and human sacrifice , who also killed his brothers en route to becoming top god. Ongoing excavation continues to turn up major pieces. Just west of the temple, a monolithic stone carved with the image of Tlaltecuhtli, the goddess of earth fertility, was unearthed in October and is now prominently displayed on the museum's 1st floor.
Another key find was made in when a ceremonial platform dating from was uncovered. Based on historical documents, archaeologists believe the 15m structure was used to cremate Aztec rulers.
A dig also turned up what archaeologists believe is the trunk of a sacred tree found at a newly discovered burial site at the foot of the temple. In a tower 6m in diameter made from over human skulls was found nearby, believed to be Huey Tzompantli, mentioned by Spanish conquistadors but undiscovered until now. Most surprisingly, the remains of the sacrificed included women and children.
