Lost in Tlalnepantla de Baz, are we? Let me introduce you to Motel Tenayuca. It offers a discreet escape from the city’s hustle.
Motel Tenayuca provides a range of rooms. These include the Villa Jacuzzi, Villa Sencilla, Villa Junior, and Villa con Tubo. Prices range from $360 to $800 MXN for six hours.
But let’s step back. Imagine the history simmering beneath this modern exterior. Nearby lies the archaeological site of Tenayuca. It whispers tales of Aztec and Chichimec civilizations.
Legend says Xolotl, a Chichimeca leader, founded Tenayuca in the 13th century. He built it as a fortified city. Some evidence suggests earlier occupation.
Tenayuca’s importance was short-lived. The city of Azcapotzalco conquered it in the mid-14th century. Soon after, the Aztec Empire absorbed it.
The Spanish arrived. They named Tenayuca “El Pueblo de los Serpientes.” This translates to “the town of the serpents.” This name likely came from the serpent walls surrounding the pyramid’s base. These walls resembled decorations at Tula. Historians believe this was homage to a greater power.
Conquistadors seized the town in 1520. It was eventually abandoned. Mexican archaeologists rediscovered Tenayuca in 1925.
The Tenayuca pyramid is well-preserved today. You cannot climb it. However, much of its decoration survives. It’s impressive. A small museum sits on-site.
Tenayuca influenced the Aztecs. The Aztecs first stopped at Tenayuca around 1300. The dual-temple design inspired them. They later copied it for their main temple in Tenochtitlan.
Tenayuca contains around 150 stone serpents. This design choice started during Chichimeca rule. The Aztecs liked the style. They kept the serpents throughout renovations.
The pyramid has two staircases. They lead to two separate temples. During the Aztec era, they worshipped Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc here. These are the same gods worshipped at Templo Mayor.
The Tenayuca pyramid now has a confusing shape. It has undergone many construction phases. Archaeologists discovered human remains in another tzompantli. These were likely sacrificial victims.
So, as you consider Motel Tenayuca, remember the layers of history beneath your feet. From ancient civilizations to modern-day escapes, this place holds secrets. Perhaps a little rendezvous here is a rendezvous with history itself.