PXL_20250413_153725240

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 07:49:22 +0100

Phase 3

All of the façades of the Great Temple were enlarged during the government of Itzcóatl, the fourth Mexica tlatoani. The remodeling probably occurred around the year 1431 A. D. During this regime, the Mexicas became more powerful through alliances and wars that they fought.

Eight sculptures from this period are especially noteworthy. Those that we see at the site are exact replicas of the ones originally found here. The originals may be viewed in the museum.

The arms of two of the eight personages represented here are touching the chest. A hollow in the closed fists of the other six has led to their designation as standard bearers. Some of the figures have a small depression in the chest area in which a green stone has been placed, symbolizing the heart. According to one interpretation, the statues represent the huiznahuas, or stars, the brothers and sisters of Huitzilopochtli and Coyolxauhqui.