Tzompantli or
Platform of Skulls
Platform of Skulls
The Tzompantli was a centrally-located platform used to display the skulls of enemy warriors defeated in battle as well as the heads of sacrificial victims.
Drawing of The Platform of the Skulls Maya Toltec
Architectural Style constructed 1100-1300 A.D.
The Platform of Skulls, a T-shaped stone structrue sixty meters long and twelve meters wide, was dedicated to the glory of military conquest and ritual sacrifice. It was here that prisoners heads as well as those of other sacrificial victims were displayed for all the inhabitants to view.
The central panel of the the platform is carved with three horizontal rows of skulls. There are also representations of eagles and warriors caryying human heads in their hands.
Detail view of the skulls of Tzompantli.
The decoration served as a reminder of the aggression of the military chiefs and as a terrifying warning to anyone who might attack the city.
During the excavation of the platform several human skulls as well as a statue of the Chac-Mool were discovered.
Drawing of The Platform of the Skulls Maya Toltec
Architectural Style constructed 1100-1300 A.D.
The Platform of Skulls, a T-shaped stone structrue sixty meters long and twelve meters wide, was dedicated to the glory of military conquest and ritual sacrifice. It was here that prisoners heads as well as those of other sacrificial victims were displayed for all the inhabitants to view.
The central panel of the the platform is carved with three horizontal rows of skulls. There are also representations of eagles and warriors caryying human heads in their hands.
Detail view of the skulls of Tzompantli.
The decoration served as a reminder of the aggression of the military chiefs and as a terrifying warning to anyone who might attack the city.
During the excavation of the platform several human skulls as well as a statue of the Chac-Mool were discovered.
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