Tula de Allende, Hidalgo, Mexico — The Central Highlands (North America)
The Temple of Pyramid B
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 2, 2018
1. The Temple of Pyramid B Marker
Los enormes atlantes y las pilastras con relieves que hoy coronan la pirámide, no se encontraban a la vista del pueblo en época prehispánica, servían de apoyo al techo del templo que habían la parte superior. Las columnas en forma de serpientes emplumadas se encontraban a la entrada del templo.
Los llamados atlantes representan guerreros toltecas, cuyo atavío que incluye pectorales en forma de mariposa, casco de plumas finas, espejos de mosaicos de turquesa, cuchillo y otras armas los distingue como militares de alto rango.
En los relieves de las pilastras están representadas algunos reyes o gobernantes de Tula con el glifo de su nombre sobre la cabeza. El que tiene el glifo en forma de un serpiente emplumada se cree que representa al famoso rey sacerdote Topilzín Quetzalcóatl.
The Temple of Pyramid B
The enormous columns in form of human figures, known as atlantes, and the pillars bearing reliefs, which can now be seen on top of the pyramid, were not exposed to public view in Pre-Hispanic times. In those days the giant stone sculptures
this page online
The atlantes represented Toltec warriors, whose attire indicated that they were high-ranking military officers. It consisted of breastplates in the form of a butterfly, a helmet of fine feathers, mirrors set in turquoise mosaics, a knife, and other arms.
The reliefs on the pillars feature kings or rulers of Tula, each bearing a glyph of his name above his head. It is believed that the figure with the glyph in the form of a plumed serpent represents the famous priest-king Topilzin Quetzalcoatl.
Erected by CONACULTA y INAH.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Architecture • Churches & Religion • Native Americans.
Location. 20° 3.837′ N, 99° 20.426′ W. Marker is in Tula de Allende, Hidalgo. Marker can be reached from Tula-Pachuca Carretera just north of Entrada a Zona Arqueológica. The marker is near the south of Pyramid B the Tula Archaeological Site, on the right of the steps up the pyramid. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tula de Allende HGO 42800, Mexico. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pyramid B (a few steps from this marker); El Coatepantli (Wall of Snakes)
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 2, 2018
2. The Temple of Pyramid B and Marker
The temple is to the right of the steps that lead up to the top of Pyramid B and its famous atlantes.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 2, 2018
3. An 'atlante' of The Temple of Pyramid B
The features mentioned in the marker text can be appreciated in this photo. The atlante is a representation of a Toltec warrior, prepared for battle. "The atlantes represented Toltec warriors, whose attire indicated that they were high-ranking military officers. It consisted of breastplates in the form of a butterfly, a helmet of fine feathers, mirrors set in turquoise mosaics, a knife, and other arms."
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 2, 2018
4. A wide view of the atlantes and other columns on top of Pyramid B
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 2, 2018
5. A view of the reverse of the atlantes
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 2, 2018
6. A carved column from The Temple of Pyramid B
As the marker mentions, these carvings on the columns probably represent Toltec rulers in ceremonial dress.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 376 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 8, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
