Archaeology

Archaeology is a major focus of our study, and we will provides extensive coverage of Teotihuacan with its Temple of the Feathered Serpent and Palace of Quetzalpopolotl; Chich’en Itza and its temple to Kukulkan; Xochicalco and its temple to Quetzalcoatl; Cacaxtla and its monuments to Xochitquetzal, Cholula, Tula, Copán, Palenque, and others.

Names such as Quetzalcoatl and Kukulkan were used not only for deities but also for military or religious leaders and for nobles. We will discuss the relationship of a deity to actual historical personages, such as Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl, the legendary priest-king of the Toltecs. In addition to major architectural and monumental remains, there are many smaller pieces dedicated to the RQ and RQ-based deities including Mayan cylinders, sculptures, and stelae.