The Mexica were skilled builders, and they developed sophisticated techniques for the construction of pyramids. The construction of a Mexica pyramid was a major undertaking, and it required the labor of thousands of workers over a period of years. The Mexica used a combination of stone, earth, and stucco, and they developed a number of techniques for the shaping, the placement, and the decoration of the building materials.
The Materials of the Pyramids
The Mexica pyramids were typically built of a combination of stone, earth, and stucco. The core of the pyramid was made of earth and rubble, and the outer surface was faced with a layer of cut stone that was held in place with lime mortar. The cut stones were typically small, and they were carefully shaped to fit together without gaps.
The Mexica also used a layer of stucco to cover the outer surface of the pyramid, and the stucco was often painted in bright colors. The most common colors were red, blue, yellow, and white, and the painted surfaces were a striking feature of Mexica architecture.
The Labor Force
The construction of a Mexica pyramid required a large labor force, and the Mexica drew on the resources of the entire state for the construction. The most skilled workers were the stonemasons, who were responsible for the cutting and the placement of the stones. The stonemasons were organized into a guild, and they had their own patron deity.
The less skilled workers were drawn from the calpulli, and they were required to contribute labor as part of their obligation to the state. The laborers were typically organized into work gangs, and they were supervised by the stonemasons. The laborers were provided with food and shelter by the state, and they were often given a small payment for their work.
The Construction Process
The construction of a Mexica pyramid typically began with the selection of the site and the preparation of the foundation. The site was typically chosen for its sacred significance, and the foundation was prepared with a series of offerings to the gods. The offerings typically included human sacrifice, and the sacrifices were believed to ensure the stability of the building.
The construction of the pyramid itself proceeded in stages, with each stage corresponding to a major event in the history of the state. The construction was typically begun by the Tlatoani, and it was continued by his successors. The construction of the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan, for example, took several generations to complete, and it was rebuilt and enlarged seven times during the history of the Mexica state.
The Engineering of the Pyramids
The Mexica pyramids were engineering marvels, and they required sophisticated knowledge of mathematics, of geometry, and of construction techniques. The Mexica were able to construct pyramids that were stable and durable, and that were able to withstand the earthquakes that were common in the Valley of Mexico.
The Mexica also developed a number of techniques for the alignment of the pyramids, and the pyramids were typically aligned with the cardinal directions and with the movements of the sun and the stars. The alignment was central to the religious significance of the pyramids, and it was carefully calculated by the priests and the astronomers.
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