Tulasas

Welcome to Tula, the legendary capital of the mighty Toltec Empire. Located in the modern state of Hidalgo, this sprawling archaeological site is steeped in myth and military history. …

We arrive at the heart of the ancient city, the great Central Plaza. This massive open space served as the primary gathering point for the populace during religious festivals, military parades, and bustling market days. …

Dominating the northern edge of the plaza is the magnificent Pyramid B, often identified as the Temple of Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, the Lord of the Dawn, a manifestation of the feathered serpent god, Quetzalcoatl. This five tiered…

As we reach the summit of Pyramid B, we come face to face with the most famous residents of Tula: the colossal stone warriors known as the Atlantes. Standing an imposing four point six meters tall, these four massive basalt…

Descending from the pyramid and moving around to its northern side, we encounter a fascinating and somewhat macabre architectural feature known as the Coatepantli, or the Serpent Wall. This freestanding wall protected the sacred…

Adjacent to Pyramid B lies an expansive complex known as the Palacio Quemado, or the Burnt Palace. Despite its name, this structure was likely not a royal residence, but rather a grand meeting hall or council house for the elite…

Our final major stop in the central precinct is the Great Ball Court, known as Ball Court Number Two. This structure is the largest of several ball courts found at Tula and is nearly identical in layout and size to the famous…

As we conclude our tour of Tula, we look out over a city that has been quiet for nearly a thousand years. After the violent destruction of the city in the twelfth century, the Toltec Empire fractured. …