Tzompantli is the Toltec word that literally means "wall of skulls".

The platform is decorated with images of hundreds of skulls meant to represent the souls of sacrificed victims as well as defeated enemy warriors. It also has carvings of eagles, feathered serpents and Mayan warriors. The Mayans believed that viewing this wall would show their strength and strike fear into the hearts of invading armies.

Some of the original red paint can still be seen.