Temalacatl

A temalacatl was a gladiatorial platform that is believed was used by the different civilizations of Mesoamerica, consisting of a large stone disc with a handle in the center where the prisoner was tied for further gladiatorial combat.

History

Monoliths created by the Aztecs assumed to be temalacatl, include the Stone of Tizoc and the Stone of Motecuhzoma I, the last one the larger of the two. There is discussion of whether the latter were only combat sites or if these stones were also used as sacrificial receptacles where the extracted heart of the victims was deposited in a similar manner as a great cuauhxicalli.[1] However, recent studies show that temalacatl was not used for the slaughter of prisoners course, it is considered a fighting platform and a monument to the Mexica conquests. There are even researchers who say the Sunstone could also be a temalacatl.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Cervera Obregón, Marco Antonio (2011). Guerreros aztecas. México: Ediciones Nowtilus. p. 232. ISBN 8499670369.
  2. ↑ Matos Moctezuma, Eduardo (2012). "La Piedra de Tízoc y la del Antiguo Arzobispado". Escultura monumental mexica. México: Fondo de Cultura Económica. ISBN 9786071609328.
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