THE AMERICAS

The Americas is a period made up of four different empires each with their own distinct variation of the same type of architecture.  The general time period is between 2000 BC - 1521 AD and that includes the Olmecs, the Teotihuacans, the Aztecs, and the Mayans.

Map of Mesoamerica

The Aztecs 1000 - 1500 CE

The Aztecs were an ethnic group located in central Mexico that dominated much of their time period.  The capital city was Tenochtitlan which is modern day Mexico City.  There were approximately 200,000 inhabitants and at the height of their time, they were and organized and strong group that ruled with fear.

Architecture

Unlike early European time periods, the Aztecs had a very different style or architecture that didn't involve any central religious structures of the city.  They did construct their very own religious centers that had similar attributes to the Ancient Egyptian pyramids, but smaller in size and with a different facade made of stone and brick.  One of the main temples was Templo Mayor, and it had two different temples - the God of War and the God of Agriculture.  It was located in their ceremonial center that was two miles in length with residential dwellings surrounding it. 

Model of Templo Mayor

THEN:

Templo Mayor was one of the Aztecs main temple platforms within their ceremonial center.  Mexican pyramids by nature were made by building over older ones, and thus making it look bulky and short.  The 197 foot high stricture was complete with a long flight of stairs that gave access to the temples at the top.

NOW:

Different commercial settings utilize the long and grand staircases both as a design aesthetic and for architectural reasonings.  Places like opera houses, theaters, and even large court houses and department stores use grand staircases that indirectly resemble those for the Mesoamerican Mexican pyramids.

Art

Aztec art was influenced by a long history of culture and religion.  Only the upper class were allowed to own any sort of art.  Insects, birds, fish and animals, and other living themes were organisms that inspired the people of the Aztec Empire.  A lot of the art that was recovered and discovered was religion related, and the Gods were typically depicted as different animals.  A lot of their art told a story that pertained to a recent sacrifice, conquest, or their daily lives.

Fresco of a Snake

NOW:

Today, we know the Aztec style design to be geometric and extremely vibrant and colorful.  It is emulated on all different kinds of phone cases, folders, web design, and even wallpaper and upholstery for design use.