ATLANTEANS OF TULA: HISTORY, FUNCTIONS AND CURIOSITIES - HISTORY - 2025

The Atlanteans of Tula are four anthropomorphic figures that represent the Toltec warriors. They are located in Mexico, specifically in the archaeological region of Tula in the state of Hidalgo.

These giants are found at the top of the Tlahuizcalpantecutli pyramid, where they served as support columns for the roof of the building.

These four sculptures were discovered in 1940, thanks to the work of the archaeologist Jorge Ruffier Acosta.

These figures are also known by the name of "the giants of Tula." This is because they are large monuments, which exceed 4.5 meters in height.

The Tula Atlanteans are one of the most enigmatic artifacts of the Toltec culture that have survived through the years. How the figures were carved and transported to the top of the pyramid remains a mystery.

Location

The Atlanteans of Tula are found in Mexico, in the state of Hidalgo. In this state is the archaeological zone of Tula, which was once the capital of the Toltec Empire. It is 88 km from Pachuca (the state capital) and 93 km from Mexico City.

The four Atlanteans are located in the upper part of the Tlahuizcalpantecutli temple (or temple of the Morning Star), a pyramid dedicated to the cult of the god Quetzalcóatl, the feathered serpent.

Characteristics of the Atlanteans of Tula

The most impressive characteristic of the Tula Atlanteans is their size, since they are sculptures of great size and weight.

1-The four figures exceed 4.5 meters in height and are one meter in diameter.

2-It is estimated that the weight of these sculptures is between 8 and 8.5 tons.

3-They were carved in basalt.

4-They are made up of four pieces that were carved individually and then assembled one on top of the other. From bottom to top, the pieces that make up the Atlanteans of Tula are:

- The legs.

- The lower part of the torso.

- The upper part of the torso.

- The head and the headdress.

5-The work carried out in these Atlanteans demonstrates an advanced handling of carving techniques. This is observed in the fact that there is continuity between the carving of one piece and another to disguise the fact that they were made separately. In other words, they are not isolated parts that were assembled without a specific order.

6-On the head, the figures present a headdress of feathers and snake skin. This characteristic establishes a relationship between the Atlanteans and the god Quetzalcóatl, the feathered serpent.

7-The face is made up of eyes with empty sockets, a nose and a mouth.

8-They have the appearance of warriors because of the clothing they wear. They are dressed in a butterfly-shaped chest plate. In their right hand they hold a weapon that resembles a dart gun, while in their left hand they hold bags. On the back they have a shield with the seal of the sun.

History

According to the studies of archaeologists, the ancient city of Tula arose in 600 AD. C., reached its apogee in the year 1000 d. C. and declined in the twelfth century. There are signs that a great fire devastated the city in this century.

With respect to the Atlanteans, it is considered that these were built around the year 1000 AD. C., when the city was in its maximum splendor.

Function

From a structural and architectural point of view, the Atlanteans of Tula had the function of offering support to the roof of the Tlahuizcalpantecutli temple.

Behind the four Atlanteans, there are four simple pilasters that also participated in this task of support.

From an artistic point of view, the figures represent an ornament for the temple. Likewise, they symbolize the warriors or soldiers who follow the god Quetzalcóatl.

Finally, from the religious point of view, the Atlanteans constitute an offering to the feathered serpent.

Curiosities

Atlante in the National Museum of Anthropology

In 1944, one of the four Atlanteans was removed from the temple of Tlahuizcalpantecutli and was taken to the National Museum of Anthropology. Today it is exhibited in the Toltec Room of said museum.

To occupy the empty space of the figure, a substitute was created. If you look at the Atlanteans from the front, the first counting from the left is a replica.

Why are they called "Atlanteans"?

Many people misunderstand the concept of "Atlanteans" because they believe it is related to the submerged continent of Atlantis.

However, the term refers to the mythological figure Atlas, who was in charge of supporting the weight of the world.

Thus, the word was extrapolated to the Tula giants due to the fact that they had the function of supporting the roof of the Quetzalcóatl pyramid.

Lost civilization or extraterrestrial?

Starting in the 70s, various popular theories emerged to explain the existence of these enigmatic figures.

Among these theories, two stand out: one that states that the Atlanteans were made by a supercivilization that disappeared with the Great Flood and another that asserts that these were made by aliens.

Those who support the theory of supercivilization maintain that the Atlanteans are the representation of the giants that inhabited the earth before the Great Flood according to the biblical account of Genesis.

Those who support the theory of aliens point out these figures are a representation of the aliens who created them.

Thus, they establish that the butterfly-shaped chest plate is actually a device that facilitates breathing in the atmosphere and that the weapons they carry are laser beams.

Touristic place

The ancient archaeological city of Tula constitutes one of the main attractions of the state of Hidalgo, especially since the Atlanteans are found there.

Every year, thousands of tourists visit the Tlahuizcalpantecutli temple to admire the Toltec sculpture, which is totally different from the Mayan or the Aztec.

References

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3. Atlantean figures. Retrieved on October 12, 2017, from wikipedia.org
4. The Gigantic Atlantean Statues of the Toltecs. Retrieved on October 12, 2017, from mexicounexplained.com
5. Toltec. Retrieved on October 12, 2017, from britannica.com
6. Toltec. Retrieved on October 12, 2017, from wikipedia.org
7. Toltec Culture. Retrieved on October 12, 2017, from ic.galegroup.com
8. Toltec Deities and Religion. Retrieved on October 12, 2017, from thoughtco.com