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Tag: archaeology

Unearth the Mysteries of the Templo Mayor in Mexico City

Templo Mayor with the Cathedral in the background

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As explorers, we crave experiences that transport us through time and immerse us in the rich tapestry of history. Mexico City’s Templo Mayor is a portal to the ancient Aztec civilization, inviting us to unearth the mysteries of a culture that once reigned supreme. Before indulging in the city’s mouthwatering culinary delights on our food tour, we stepped back in time and explored the ancient civilization at the Templo Mayor.

Nestled in the heart of Mexico City’s bustling streets, the Templo Mayor stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Aztec people. This awe-inspiring complex, once the epicenter of their empire, was meticulously constructed in concentric layers, each representing a phase of expansion and renewal. As you wander through the excavated ruins, you’ll be transported back to a time when the Aztecs paid homage to their deities through intricate rituals and ceremonies.

Piedra del Sol

Piedra del Sol

Imagine the echoes of ancient chants resonating through the temple’s chambers as you tread upon the same stones that witnessed the rise and fall of an empire. The iconic Piedra del Sol, or the Sun Stone, is a highlight, its intricate carvings depicting the Aztecs’ complex cosmological beliefs. Venture deeper into the museum, and you’ll uncover a trove of artifacts, from exquisite jewelry to sacrificial knives, each piece a window into the sophisticated culture of the Aztecs.

As you explore the Templo Mayor, you’ll witness the fascinating fusion of cultures that occurred when the Spanish conquistadors arrived. The juxtaposition of Aztec and Spanish architectural elements serves as a poignant reminder of the clash and eventual merging of two vastly different worlds. This fusion is not only visible in the remnants of the temple but also in the vibrant tapestry of modern-day Mexico City, where ancient traditions coexist harmoniously with contemporary influences.

Steps of the Templo Mayor

The Templo Mayor is more than just a historical site; it’s a living embodiment of the resilience and enduring spirit of the Aztec people. As you emerge from this archaeological wonder, you’ll carry with you a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage that has shaped the Mexico City we know today. Emboldened by this immersive experience, we were ready to embark on our food tour, savoring the flavors that have been passed down through generations, each bite a celebration of the city’s diverse and captivating history. If you are planning to visit Templo Mayor, consider booking a private guide to get a better understanding of the site and the Mexica people who inhabited it.

Thanks for stopping by! Check out the Uncovering Mexico City Trip Report to read more about our time in Mexico City. Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

B&B Trip Report: Jamestowne

Jamestowne
After our morning at Yorktown, we made our way to Historic Jamestowne. When looking to visit Jamestown, you have two choices, Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement. At Jamestown Settlement, you will see costumed re-enactors and get to experience how the first American colonists lived. We chose instead to visit Historic Jamestowne which is run by the National Park Service and is the actual site of the Jamestowne Colony.  We got there just in time for the archaeology tour and I was glad we made it. The tour was led by a Jamestowne archaeologist and she took us through recent archaeological discoveries that were made right where we were standing. I was surprised to learn how much is still being learned about these people that lived over 400 years ago. Honestly, some of their discoveries are shocking and I don’t want to spoil it for you if any of you are planning on visiting Jamestowne. If I’ve piqued your interests, you can read about their finds on the Historic Jamestowne website.

This was the highlight of the trip for me and I would recommend that everyone should visit, especially if you are an American History buff.  The photo above is a recreation of the original Jamestowne fort. They didn’t just look at drawings of the fort to put this together, they actually figured out where the posts used to be by looking at the color of the soil. That is some attention to detail!

UntitledI believe this will be my last post about our time in Williamsburg so I want to talk about the campground. We stayed at Chickahominy Riverfront Park which had tent sites right on the Chickahony River. This must not be a popular spot to tent camp during the week because everyone around us left on Sunday and we had the place to ourselves Sunday night. The park is a little drive from the Williamsburg sites, but I enjoyed our time there. They have a fishing pier, boat ramp, and a pool which is nice way to cool down in the Virginia summer. It was a peaceful place and I would definitely camp there again. For more information about the campground, visit JamesCityCountyVA.gov

Thanks for stopping by! If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page, follow me on Instagram, and Flickr! To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.

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