Information on the buildings has been taken primarily from the book Pre-Columbian Cities, by Jorge Hardoy. It was published by Walker and Company in 1973. Since this book has been published, there have been some discussion as to the location of certain temples and structures. Areas that I have seen conflicting reports about are noted below.
West Gate
There were either three or
four similar gates leading into the walled sacred precinct area. There
are conflicting accounts as to whether the east gate existed. For our
tour, we enter through the west gate.
Coatepantli
The wall surrounding the precinct separated it from the rest of
the city. It was estimated to be about four hundred and twenty meters
on a side, and was probablu about two and one-half meters high. Some
sources say that it was decorated with serpents, but this seems to be
disputed among scholars.
Tlachtli
The Tlachtli was the
semi-enclosed structure where the ball game was played. This is the
building that is first encountered when traveling through the west
gate. The ball game was a pastime of the upper classes-those who had
time to devote to developing the necessary skills. It was played with a
rubber ball that was hit by the hips or shoulders. Placing and losing a
bet on the game had serious consequences-it resulted in the bettor's
losing status and becoming a slave.
Tentlalpan
Platform
Tentlalpan
Xocotl-Huetzi
Calmecac
Tozpalatl
Platform
Tzompantli
Temple of the Sun
Temple of Quetzalcoatl
This temple is an exception
to the usual rectangular shapes of temple foundations. Its circular
foundation is typical of the structures dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, the
god of knowledge and civilization. The conical roof was probably made
of straw. Quetzalcoatl means "feathered serpent".
Coateocalli
Temple of Cihuacoatl
Table of Huitzilpochtli
Chicomocoatl
Xochiquetzalli
Eagle Warrior Precinct
Templo Mayor
Temple of Tetzcatlipoca