Travel By Numbers: Aztec Mexico
As Moctezuma fever hits the UK, Katie Reynolds sums up the ancient ruler's homeland
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.1987
The year in which the archaeological site of Teotihuacá*was added to the Unesco World Heritage list. The huge complex, an hour north of Mexico City by bus, is home to the Pyramid of the Sun, and is one of the most-visited attractions in Mexico. ticketbus.com.mx
123
The number of days that the forthcoming Moctezuma exhibition will be on at the British Museum. This exploration of the life and times of the last Aztec ruler opens 10am-5.30pm daily from 24 September until 24 January, with late opening Thursdays and Fridays until 8.30pm, admission £12. britishmuseum.org
105,000
The capacity of the Estadio Azteca, the official home stadium of the Mexican National football team, and the place where Maradona scored his infamous "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter final. Stadium tours run from 9am-4pm from Monday to Friday, price 20 pesos (£1).
esmas.com/estadioazteca
1,500,000
The approximate number of speakers of the Aztec's Nahuatl language, most of whom live in central Mexico. English words of Nahuatl origin include avocado, chilli and chocolate – a food thought to have been invented by the Aztecs. For good chocolate caliente (hot chocolate) in Mexico City, try El Cardenal at Palma 23. restauranteelcardenal.com
18
The number of months in the Aztec civil calendar. The beginning of the Aztec year is now assumed to be 2 February. BA flies from Heathrow to Mexico City in February from £570 return. ba.com
1521
The year in which the Aztec empire fell to the Spanish. Mexico City now stands upon the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. The Museo del Templo Mayor marks the site of the Aztec's Great Temple. Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am-5pm, admission M$45 (£2), but free on Sundays. tiny.cc/ngHeA
4.45
The volume, in millions of cubic metres, of the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which, according to the Guinness Book of Records, makes it the largest monument in the world. It dates back to the pre-Aztec period but was still used as a ceremonial site in Aztec times. Stay at La Purificadora hotel in nearby Puebla, from £95 for a double. lapurificadora.com
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments