Things You'll Need:
- 5 rectangular pieces of Styrofoam
- Paints
- Construction paper
- Contact cement or superglue
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Step 1
Take a look at an image of an Aztec castle before you make anything (see Resources). Get a feel for the proportions and overall design of an Aztec castle. Aztec castles are architecturally quite distinct from European or Asian castles.
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Step 2
Cut a base for the castle out of Styrofoam (see Resources to purchase Styrofoam blocks). The base should be a large rectangle (15 by 20 inches) about 5 or 6 inches tall.
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Step 3
Cut the sides of the base to create the steep, angled slope of the castle. Each side needs to be cut at roughly the same angle. The finished base should appear like the base of a pyramid that has had the pointed portion removed.
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Step 4
Cut another rectangular shape from a Styrofoam block; only this time cut it about 2 inches smaller on both sides but of the same height. Do the same thing to this block that you did to the base, cutting its sides at the same angles. Glue this layer to the top of the base so that it sits directly in the center of the base with equal distances to the edge of the base's top on all sides.
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Step 5
Continue this process for three or four more levels until you have a step pyramid with a small, flat platform at the top. Cut holes for two doors in the top layer.
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Step 6
Make stairs for your castle by cutting a rectangular piece of construction paper large enough to run up one of the sides of the castle. Fold the paper on itself at 1/2-inch intervals. The result should be an accordion-like series of stairs. Glue the stairs to the front of the castle.
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Step 7
Decorate your pyramid by painting it (see Resources). Temples were built from a light gray stone that has become covered with dark lichens over time. To create this aging look, paint the castle gray and then smudge dark spots onto it with a brush or sponge.
