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Secondary sourceArtifact1503

Profile View of Moctezuma's Coronation Stone

Unknown · 1503

A photographic profile view of the carved 1503 stone marking Moctezuma II's coronation as Aztec ruler.

A side view of the stone carved to commemorate Moctezuma II's coronation as tlatoani.

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Photograph of a rectangular dark grey volcanic stone block against a black background, its front face carved in low relief with dense Aztec-style figures, glyphs, and scrolling motifs. The top surface is also carved.
Unknown photographer, profile view of the Coronation Stone of Moctezuma Xocoyotzin, 1503.

About this source

What it is

This image shows a profile, or side, view of the 1503 coronation stone of Moctezuma Xocoyotzin. The stone is a rectangular dark grey volcanic block, carved on its front face and top surface with dense Aztec-style figures, glyphs, and scrollwork.

Why it matters

Seeing the stone from the side helps reveal its full shape and how the carvings wrap around its surfaces, not just the front. As an object made to mark Moctezuma II's coronation, it connects directly to his formal rise to power and the artistic traditions used to honor Aztec rulers.

Look closer

  • What extra details can you see from this side angle that a front view would miss?
  • Why might carvers decorate the top of the stone as well as its front face?
  • What might the glyphs and figures be recording about the coronation?

This artifact is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Montezuma II on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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