Templo Mayor

A Web Quest for 11th Grade English

Denise N. Rodríguez
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Introduction

It is a wonder that during the early 1970´s when plumbing work was being done at the National Palace, that the plumbers would come across some pre-hispanic artifacts buried under meters of street. Alarmed by what they found, the plumbers contacted the National Anthropological Museum to look at the artifacts discovered. What was found was unbelievable! We had the fortune to see this archeological masterpiece and also had the fortune of having the head archaeologist of the project, Dr. Eduardo Matus, as our guide. He opened our eyes in describing that this found temple was the main area as the center of Tenochtitlan - the capital of Mexico during pre-hispanic times. To see that this temple was only discovered in the 1970´s is beyond belief. I cannot do justice to the explanation of what I found here, but I did buy a book to show everyone...

The temple was found to have 7 levels. During the time of the Aztecs, once the pyramids showed some deterioration, they would build another level on top of the current pyramid. These artifacts (replicas of course) were found in the 4th level of the temple.

I liked this particular picture because I have always been fascinated by the unification of pre-hispanic religious beliefs and modern Catholic beliefs. In this picture, you will find the remains of the death center of the pyramid. Interesting how this view point also includes the cathedral of Mexico City as well. In almost all regions of Mexico, you will see this duality presented together. Makes me wonder...

Well, I do not have to wonder anymore...it is now going to be your task to learn and research all you can about how the Templo Mayor was destroyed and rediscovered, how it has come to be the showplace it is today, and research the artifacts and significance of these artifacts found within the walls of this temple.

I am planning to take an excursion to Mexico City once again with a few students and would like to learn more about this magnificent part of Mexico's past. It is up to you to find a tour guide suitable for the needs of this trip. I am trying to find information regarding the symbolism of the artifacts found within the walls of Templo Mayor; I am trying to find the details of the inspiration for Hernan Cortes "Letters from Mexico"; and I am trying to find the history of an empire lost to genocide.

The Task

As a leader you are naturally equipped to begin your search for a knowledgeable "tour guide" to help you teacher and her students quest to find answers about a mysterious past. While in search of a tour guide, do not forget that your challenge is not easy; be careful to research and choose wisely when finding the right information to help fit the needs of your assignment. .

Your first challenge incorporates learning the history of the "Templo Mayor" and what it has come to mean to the community as a whole. What does the vision inspire? How was this temple created? Who was the temple created for? You must have a clear understanding of who lived in Templo Mayor and what happened around the Temple to get a good perspective of the background history..
Your second challenge relies heavily on the research you have acquired regarding the writings of Hernan Cortes. In this research you must recognize the impact his letters had on today's historians. In other words, find out exactly how Cortes's letters had influenced the historians perspective.
Your third challenge requires some in depth research in to the religious practices of the Aztecs to understand the significance of the temple itself.
Finally, your research will end once you discover information on the modern day learnings from the Templo Mayor. What is it used for now? How does the discovery of the temple effect both Mexican history and the history of the Spaniards?
Based on your new knowledge, you can now find the best tour guide available for the job. You are to create a detailed résumé incorporating everything that you have learned about the Templo Mayor. You are to include the following in your résumé:
1. Background
2. Special Skills
3. Recommendations/ References (3 prior jobs)
4. Education
5. Internships

Resources

http://www.mexicocity.com.mx/history1.html

http://www.sunnetworks.net/~ggarman/eightcom.html

http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/archaeology/sites/meso_america/tenochtitlan.html

http://archaeology.asu.edu/tm/index2.htm

http://www.tenochtitlan.com/

The Process

Below are some instructions to help aid you in your quest:

First, find the links that will provide the most information on the history of the Templo Mayor.. The sooner you know your information, the easier it will be.
Once you understand the background information, you can organize the research you find.
Do not forget the challenges of information you need to find. Remember what you have studied with Hernan Cortes "Letters from Mexico" and keep in mind class discussions to see what you would want to know from the Templo Mayor.
Begin listing traits you find are necessary in finding the right tour guide. As you research, compile the information to create a final resume to suit the standards of your needs.
The resume you create should be of professional quality and simplicity. Do not over stimulate the reader's senses. Keep it simple and elegant.

Evaluation

You will be graded upon following the criteria stated below. Keep in mind that quality is of key importance.

Beginning

1

Developing

2

Accomplished

3

Exemplary

4

Score

Background

Background contains list with no elaboration.

Background contains primary elements (elaboration needed).

Background is efficient and organized.

Background is extensive and descriptive.

Special Skills

Skills are listed with no elaboration.

Skills contain primary elements (elaboration needed).

Skills are efficient and organized.

Skills are extensive and descriptive.

Recommendations/

Refernces

Not listed.

Recommendations (1)

Recommendations(2)

Requirement fulfilled

Education/

Internships

Education is listed with no elaboration.

Education contains primary elements (elaboration needed).

Education is efficient and organized.

Education is extensive and descriptive.

Overall Resume

Paper is unacceptable. Did not follow the guidelines given in the Web Quest.

Signs of research are apparent. Did not satisfy all requirements of the Web Quest.

Research evident. Product is clear and concise. Some creative elements involved.

Extensive research evident. Product is clear, concise, and organized. Creative elements are shown throughout final product.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4
Background	Background contains list with no elaboration.	Background contains primary elements (elaboration needed).	Background is efficient and organized.	Background is extensive and descriptive.
Special Skills	Skills are listed with no elaboration.	Skills contain primary elements (elaboration needed).	Skills are efficient and organized.	Skills are extensive and descriptive.
Recommendations/ Refernces	Not listed.	Recommendations (1)	Recommendations(2)	Requirement fulfilled
Education/ Internships	Education is listed with no elaboration.	Education contains primary elements (elaboration needed).	Education is efficient and organized.	Education is extensive and descriptive.
Overall Resume	Paper is unacceptable. Did not follow the guidelines given in the Web Quest.	Signs of research are apparent. Did not satisfy all requirements of the Web Quest.	Research evident. Product is clear and concise. Some creative elements involved.	Extensive research evident. Product is clear, concise, and organized. Creative elements are shown throughout final product.

Conclusion

Miss Rodriguez and her students thank you in your quest to find the best tour guide possible. We will keep you in mind while we are visiting Mexico City with the tour guide you have recommended. We will send you a postcard!

Last updated on December 2, 2006. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page