Construction

    The solid structure was of a simple but interesting design.  Columns were used to support the twin shrines on the roof.  Unlike most buildings, it had no rooms within except for small prayer shrines.  Therefore, it took a great deal of manpower and time to drag so many materials to the site.  All of the materials they used were found near their temple because it took so much effort to get the materials to the site.
 
    But, it did not begin as a huge, solid temple.  The original was smaller and was gradually enlarged to create the massive version pictured below.  The Aztecs used a type of mortar to cover the previous temple.  It was composed of volcanic gravel and mud found conveniently at a nearby river.  The next step was to place stone slabs on the sticky mortar.  They then covered the building with stucco which was painted with polychrome paint.

    However, there was one flaw in the Great Temple.  It weighed a great deal and was situated on the swampy, mossy ground native to the area.  The pyramid sunk into the ground!  To solve this dilemma, Aztec civil engineers constantly rebuilt it up to ground level.  They also made efforts to stabilize the ground by driving wooden stakes into the earth and surrounding them with pumice stone.  The pumice was close by and weighed little so they managed to provide the support of braces without adding too much extra weight to the sinking ground.