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| Tula | ||
| State | Hidalgo | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | unknown | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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Tula is a ruined city of the Toltecs in Hidalgo (state) in Mexico.
background
Around AD 900. The Toltecs settled here to found the new capital. In the following 200 years a huge city was built here, covering an area of around 12 square kilometers. The name is derived from the word Tollan, which roughly means place of the reed. By controlling the obsidian one gained economic power. In the 11th century their influence reached into the Yucatan area. For example, elements of this culture are in Chichen Itza or Tulum to find. At the same time, however, this is also the period in which Tula was surprisingly abandoned. Traces of fire suggest a violent task. According to legend, the Toltec king "Ce Acatl Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl" was haunted several times by demons after serious debauchery, so that he left the city with his entourage. On the coast, according to legend, he became the morning star while his entourage set about it Chichen Itza to conquer. The Aztecs believed that "Ce Acatl Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl" would one day return to reclaim his land. Whether they thought Hernán Cortés was the returning Toltec king is controversial. When the Spaniards arrived, the place was still in use by the Aztecs, who built a death wall here. This facility was only rediscovered in 1938 and has been excavated here since 1940.
getting there
By plane
By bus
Of Mexico City there is a bus every 30 minutes from Terminal de Norte (Hall 8)
In the street
By boat
mobility
The complex is clearly laid out and can only be explored on foot. But the approx. 1 to 2 km short walk from the entrance to the center gives you the opportunity to buy a present or two or just enjoy the cactus forests.
Tourist Attractions
The complex itself is beautifully located on a plato above the city of Tula. The remains of the extensive complex can be found in the middle of a cactus forest. The foundations of the residential area of the former upper class can be found just behind the museum at the entrance area. But the actual facility follows a short walk (approx. 1 km) through the cactus forest.
- Juego de Pelota 1. This number one ball playground is 67 meters long and 12.5 meters wide and is one of the largest of its kind.
- Juego de Pelota 2. This was only discovered and exposed in 1970.
- Tzompantli. This wall is also called the place of the skulls and goes back to the Aztecs.
- El Coatepantli. This "wall of snakes" shows a well-preserved relief 40 meters long and 2 meters high, on which snakes and skeletons can be seen. The Aztecs, who found this city already abandoned during their hike, took this wall as a model to frame their holy places with it.
- Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl. The 10 meter high pyramid (pyramid B) has become the tourist highlight of the facility. The highlight is on the site, where you will find the so-called Altlanten from Tula. Four 4.6 meter high figures that once supported the roof of the temple. They carry weapons in their hands and hold a shield in the shape of a butterfly.
- Palacio Quemado. In the columnar temple, which translates as the burned palace, there are two Chac Mool statues in the middle courtyard. Also of interest are the sewer shafts which are directly connected to the canal leading to the north into the valley.
- Pyramid C. The second large pyramid is currently only partially exposed.
- Palacio Quetzalcoatl. This is located on the side of the pyramid of the same name and is currently only partially exposed.
- Edificio 3 & Edidicio K. These large structures are currently being uncovered and examined.
- Adoratorio. This altar can be found in the center of the plaza.
- El Corral. This building is about 1.5 km to the east.
- museum. Here finds and the history of the facility are brought closer.
