Aztec Dual Temple Great Altar

Timeline

1. c. 1375–1383Central Plaza of Tenochtitlan · Mexico CityAcamapichtli ordered the first dual pyramid built at the city's heart, with the north temple dedicated to Tlaloc and the south temple to Huitzilopochtli, constructed of stone foundations and stucco; modest in scale but establishing the Mexica state religious symbol.
2. 1381–1390Templo Mayor, Tenochtitlan · Mexico CityAfter its initial completion, the Great Temple became the core site for Mexica sacrifices, coronations, and festival processions; priestly orders presided over the New Fire ceremony and the war god's birthday rites here, strengthening the political-religious bond between the tlatoani and the deities.
3. 1390–1521Templo Mayor, Tenochtitlan · Mexico CityThereafter, nearly every tlatoani encased the old temple within a new, larger pyramid; by its dedication under Ahuitzotl in 1487 it had reached about 45 meters in height. Archaeological excavation has revealed seven superimposed layers and numerous sacrificial remains.