Introduction
While conversing with foreign visitors, the author noticed that Mexican history and culture are often absent from their literature. The story aims to shed light on the construction of the Templo Mayor and Tenochtitlan amidst the dessicated lake of Texcoco, using an intriguing detail: obsidian snorkels.
The Mystery of Submerged Construction
As the author described the Templo Mayor and Tenochtitlan’s construction beneath the lake, one inquisitive foreigner questioned: “How did the Mexicas manage to build underwater? How did they gather stones while submerged? How did they survive and construct the pyramids beneath the water’s surface?”
(Pause)
The author, gazing at the ruins, envisioned herself submerged as well. She responded with a touch of humor:
“With obsidian snorkels.”
Reflecting on the current state of Mexico’s historical sites, she lamented: “If I weren’t joking, I’d be drowning without hope. Already feeling submerged: the elevators in the Templo Mayor museum don’t work, there’s a lack of toilet paper and funds for basic supplies, and a protest blanket, signed by INAH workers, demands essential needs. Our history is crumbling.
The worst came later, when she shared the tragic story of the Templo Mayor massacre and Tenochtitlan’s eventual fall.
The Spanish Conquest
The Spanish fought against Cuitláhuac’s army, followed by a battle with Cuauhtémoc. Cuitláhuac led for only four months before dying of smallpox, a European disease. Cuauhtémoc then took command.
The author conveyed this history with emotion, hoping to emphasize the drama:
“I almost cried while explaining it, trying to convey the tragedy…”
The listener, however, seemed unmoved:
“—And who won?
“We still don’t know. They’ve been counting the votes since 1521.”
Key Questions and Answers
- How did the Mexicas construct buildings underwater? They used obsidian snorkels to facilitate breathing and stone gathering during construction.
- What was the significance of the Templo Mayor and Tenochtitlan? These were crucial religious and administrative centers for the Aztec Empire.
- Who were Cuitláhuac and Cuauhtémoc? Cuitláhuac was a short-lived Aztec leader who succumbed to smallpox, while Cuauhtémoc took over and led the Aztec resistance against Spanish conquest.
- What was the outcome of the Spanish conquest? The Aztec Empire fell, and the results are still being tallied, with votes counted since 1521.
