Sun Stone, National Museum of Anthropology
2019 © Maxim Tabachnik
Tlatelolco Market DioramaRepresentation of the Origin of LifeReplica of Pakal’s TombAztec Stone JaguarAztec Ball Game RingsSun Stone, National Museum of AnthropologyReproduction of the Temple of the Feathered SerpentMural and Model of Tenochtitlan

Sun Stone, National Museum of Anthropology

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The Sun Stone, made of olivine basalt, is a monumental artifact from the Mexica civilization (1250–1519 AD). It measures 3.6 meters in diameter and weighs 24,590 kg. At its center is the sun god Tonatiuh, surrounded by symbols of the five suns, the 20-day cycle, and the five elements. Fire serpents, or Xiuhcóatl, encircle its edge, which depicts the nocturnal sky, embodying Mexica cosmology and timekeeping.