Atlantean figures at Tula

The Atlantean figures are four warriors carved from dark basalt, standing on top of a pyramid and rising about 5 meters (15 feet) high. The sculptures show men in full ceremonial dress, with detailed headdresses and weapons in both hands.

The sculptures were made between the 10th and 12th centuries, when Tula was the capital of the Toltec people. Later they influenced Aztec art, which adopted similar warrior representations.

The warriors all wear a butterfly on the chest, a symbol linked to the Toltec god of war. Each figure holds weapons that show the role fighters played in the old society.

The warriors stand on top of Pyramid B, which you can reach by climbing wide steps. From there you can see the old plaza and the surrounding buildings of the site.

The figures once held up the roof of the temple that stood on the pyramid. Their name Atlanteans refers to this supporting role, not to the sunken land.

Location: Tulasas

Made from material: basalt

GPS coordinates: 20.06425,-99.34036

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:53