Tōnatiuh

Tonatiuh

Tonatiuh was an important sun god in Mesoamerican culture. The people who lived in Mexico long ago, called the Aztecs, believed Tonatiuh watched over the daytime sky. He was known as the god who traveled across the sky from east to west each day.

People thought Tonatiuh needed help to keep moving. They believed their actions helped him continue his journey. His name means “He Who Goes Forth Shining” or “He Who Makes The Day.” Tonatiuh was first shown in art by the Toltec people and was often pictured with an eagle.

Tonatiuh was sometimes shown wearing a special headdress with eagle feathers. The eagle was a symbol that showed how the sun was connected to life. Even today, people remember Tonatiuh for his role in ancient stories and art.