What is talud tablero?

Talud tablero is a type of architectural feature that is commonly found in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican architecture, particularly in the construction of pyramidal structures. It is a design element that consists of a vertical wall (the tablero) that is supported by a sloping surface (the talud). The talud typically slopes outward from the base of the structure, while the tablero is a vertical surface that projects upward from the top of the talud.

Talud tablero structures were made from stone, brick, or adobe, and were decorated with intricate carvings, stucco reliefs, or painted designs. The design was used to create a sense of stability and monumentality, and to distinguish large public buildings from smaller residential structures. The taludtablero design was also believed to have religious significance, with the sloping sides representing the earth and sky, and the vertical tablero representing the heavens.

The most famous example of talud tablero architecture is the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan, Mexico, which was constructed around 100 AD. Other examples of talud tablero structures include the temples at Chichen Itza and the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan. Talud tablero design was also used in the construction of buildings in other parts of pre-Columbian America, such as the Incan Empire in Peru.