Talud-tablero

As Talud - tablero referred to the change of oblique ( talud = ' slope ' ) and vertical ( tablero = ' table ') components in the construction of a Mesoamerican temple pyramid. This element is so obvious that is spoken in the research by a ' Talud - tablero style ', for all its variations.

History

The origin of this style is according to current state of research in the 4/5 Century (among eg Monte Alban, Tikal ) came in Teotihuacán, then the largest and most powerful city in Central America, through long-distance trade and dynastic relationships ( marriages ) with other major centers of pre-Columbian civilizations in Mesoamerica in contact. The research assumes that these contacts also led to the adaptation of construction methods, as this manifested a degree of participation in cultural life and the power of Teotihuacán.

Others doubt the authorship of Teotihuacán for Talud - tablero system and see its origin in the Maya area - in this context is usually already populated in präklassischer Time City Uaxactún called. Also to be mentioned is the construction, the most Mesoamerican ball game courts, which also show a change from oblique and vertical components.

Even cultures later times ( Totonac, Toltec, Aztec ) inserted in their admiration for the cultural achievements of their predecessors this style element in their building program a. Even with several late Mayan sites (eg Chichen Itza, Iximché, Q'umarkaj ) it appears.

Design and Function

Cairns may be designed in many different ways (see Egypt); the Ursprungsbauten the sun and the moon pyramid at Teotihuacán as well as most Mayan pyramids of the early days came from without using the Talud - tablero system. By Talud - tablero construction but an optical loosening of the buildings could be achieved; possibly the association of the pyramid with a mountain form was intended. And last but not least could - on the centrally positioned staircases - the side decks are used on the horizontal intermediate levels for ceremonial purposes.

Pictures

Teotihuacán - Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl

Tikal - Temple Pyramid ( Mundo Perdido )

Iximché - Temple Pyramid