A stelae from El Tajin depicting the skeleton god of the underworld. Required fields are marked *. , Greeting Card -- The Pyramid of the Niches at El Tajín, near the northern edge of the Mesoamerican cultural realm, was most probably built as a device for measuring the cycles of the sacred 260-day calendar, rather than the tropical year as previously assumed. The ancient city of El Tajin, located in the modern-day state of Veracruz in Mexico, is famous for a pyramid that not many people know about. The inhabitants practiced a religion based on the movements of the sun, moon, planets and stars. Our original range of UK Framed Prints featuring a bevelled edge, Greeting Card (€7.15) The local indigenous people, the Totonac, whose ancestors may have built the city, knew it as "El Tajín," which means “of thunder" or "lightning bolts." In pre-Columbian civilizations: Late Classic non-Maya Mesoamerica (600–900) …most imposing structure is the Pyramid of the Niches, named for the approximately 365 recesses on its four sides. It is made of a locally available sandstone: archaeologist José García Payón believed that the stone for the … Make your photos come to life with Metal Prints! Nonetheless, theories suggest that the city and its pyramids were built by the ancestors of the ancient Totonac people who inhabit the region to this date. and during this time numerous temples, palaces, ballcourts, and pyramids were built. This site is unlike any other I have seen in Mexico, in person or in pictures, and it was an amazing experience to visit. He had never visited El Tajín either, and we spent a pleasant afternoon there. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. This influence is supported by the discovery of pottery and the city’s architectural elements, most notably El Tajin’s stepped pyramids. , Jigsaw Puzzle > Bristol While you’re at Papantla, be sure to explore the town. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the world’s hidden wonders. The most prominent pyramid of the city of El Tajin is thought to have been completed in the 8th century CE. We didn't have a guide, but were able to get a really good understanding of the site by doing research prior to the visit, and also by reading the placards near each of the buildings. Archaeologists believe that during the 8th century CE, the Pyramid of the Niches was completed. Mounted Print (from €15.55) That which is located on its exterior makes it an unusual Mesoamerican wonder. , Classic Framed The city’s accelerated growth, its abundance of natural resources and strategic position would attract many enemies. One of the highlights is a recreation of "La Danza de los Voladores" (The Dance of the Flyers), which is enacted near the entrance every half hour. The Pyramid was built, like many other similar structures, in various phases over several years, possibly even decades. Due to their relative lack of natural resources, they began to look at expanding the empire into new and richer territories. The pyramid of the niches is one of the most popular buildings in the archeological site of El Tajin in Veracruz, Mexico. The end for El Tajin came around 1200 when a marauding Aztec army of eagle and jaguar knights invaded and pillaged the area. Winner will be selected at random on 12/01/2020. , Fine Art Print They also played "the ball game," which had ritual aspects that sometimes included human sacrifice. Regular Photo Prints (ideal for framing) are sent within one working day and all other items in 3-5 working days. The identity of the people behind the design of this unique pyramid city remains one of the many mysteries of Mesoamerican history. It features a staircase on its northern side, used to access its top. On the way I saw an ad in a New Yorker magazine depicting The Pyramid of the Niches at El Tajín , and I realized I could easily visit it. : Painting of ruined temple (Pyramid of the Niches) at El Tajin, Papantla, Mexico. The inhabitants practiced a religion based on the movements of the sun, moon, planets and stars. The city of El Tajin is believed to have risen to power between 800 and 1200, in the centuries between the fall of the city of Teotihuacan and the rise of the Aztec empire. Eventually, the population of El Tajin surrendered to the Aztecs who subjugated not only the inhabitants of El Tajin but also many of its nearby settlements. Its UNESCO designation states, “Its architecture, which is unique in Mesoamerica, is characterized by its grand size and elaborate carved reliefs on the columns and frieze. See. Find Pyramid Niches El Tajin Archeological Site stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. October 06, 2008, Veracruz, Mexico - Pre Hispanic pyramid is seen at the archeological area of El Tajin. Download this Pyramid Of The Niches El Tajin Veracruz photo now. and it was hot and muggy the day when my friend and in visited it in January, so bring some water with you when you stroll around the site. Fine Art Print (€35.90 - €478.79) The ancient civilisation presumably existed sometime, between the fall of the Teotihuacan empire and the rise of the Aztec empire. Professionally made, ready to hang Canvas Prints are a great way to add colour, depth and texture to any space. A World Heritage Site, it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. According to the local people, it gets much, much hotter than when I was there. Each of its sides measures 26 meters and a beautifully-decorated stairway leads to a small temple-like structure at its summit. Immerse yourself in the complex cultural identity of Mexico City through its street food, bustling markets, and well-seasoned history of gastronomic traditions. Tote Bag (€35.85) A Totonac stelae from El Tajin depicting human sacrifice. , Photo Mug According to experts, the mysterious civilisation came about centuries before the rise of the Aztec empire. More details here... > Mexico Archaeology Mexican Sketch Painting. Papantla is a very good starting point if you intend to travel further into the state of Veracruz to explore its other attractions as there are plenty of buses that connect to other towns and cities.