| Object Name: | Stone of the sun, Aztec Calendar |
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| Creation Date: | 1325-1521 A. D. | |
| Culture: | Aztec, Post-Classic | |
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| The Aztec believed they were living in the fifth world: the destruction of the four previous worlds were represented in the four square compartments at the center of the Stone of the Sun. On 4 Jaguar, the world was populated by giants who were eaten by the jaguars; on 4 Wind, the world was destroyed by winds and hurricanes; on 4 Rain of Fire, the world ended in fiery rain caused by Tlaloc, the rain god; and 4 Water, the world was destroyed by floods sent by the water goddess, Chalchiuhtlicue. The Aztecs believed the fifth world would be destroyed (4 Movement) by earthquakes. Though the central image of the Stone of the Sun represents the destruction of the fifth world, it actually celebrates the creation of the world. Each era was named after its day of destruction; paradoxically, its creation could only be indicated by showing its completion in destruction. The date 13 Reed at the top is the date of dedication of the Stone of the Sun, that is 1479. | ||
