Teocalli of the Sacred War

[2] Two masses, a flat-roofed temple and a "truncated pyramid" complete with stairs up the front of the platform, compose the statue.

[3] On the sides of the pyramid section of the Teocalli sit two pairs of figures carrying copal bags, maguey leaves, and tobacco containers.

[3] These elements are said to have represented the name 'Motecuhzoma' in Post-Conquest pictorial codices and on other Mexica sculptures, including the Hackmack Box in Hamburg and the Calendar Stone of the Museo Nacional de Antropología.

[6] In 1927, Alfonso Caso published a theory that the decoration on the sculpture “justified human sacrifice and warranted warfare as a means of procuring prisoners for immolation in the temples of Tenochtitlan.”[4] This myth was regarded as the foundation of a "mystical-military" ideology in which the Mexica believed themselves to be the chosen people of the sun.

Palacios' interpretation of this Teocall received wide acclaim from scholars, and served as the foundation of his broader assessments on Mexica religion.

[2] According to historian Richard Townsend, the earth zoomorph featured on the platform of the Teocalli represents Mexica land held by force of arms.