MEXICO: Teotihuacan Pyramids

Teotihuacan is located about 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City.

It is often referred to as the “City of the Gods”.

Teotihuacan contains massive pyramids with a complex urban layout and a rich cultural history.

It dates back to approximately 100 BC and peaked between 200 AD and 600AD

It was the most influential civilization of per-Columbian Mesoamerica in Mexico.

It is one of the most significant archaeological sites and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We arrived at 8am when the gates opened so that we could beat the crowds. 

At its height, the city was home to an estimated 125,000 to 200,000 inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in the WORLD at the time.

 

 

Teotihuacan’s founders remain a mystery. It was neither an Aztec nor a Maya city but rather another independent civilization with its own unique culture and influence.

 

 

 

The city fell around 650 AD, probably due to a combination of internal strife, environmental factors, and external invasions. 

 

 

 

The name “Teotihuacan” was given by the Aztecs when they discovered it centuries after the city had been abandoned. It translates to "the place where gods were created”. 

 

 

The Pyramid of the Sun (known as the "Man’s Pyramid") is the largest structure in Teotihuacan. It is also one of the largest pyramids in the world at 65 meters (213 feet) tall and 225 meters (738 feet) on each side of its base.

Built around 200 AD the pyramid aligns astronomically with the setting sun on certain dates, suggesting its importance in rituals and celestial observations.

Take a look at the silhouette of the pyramid and the resemblance to the mountain behind it. 

The Pyramid of the Moon (also known as the "Woman’s Pyramid.") is slightly smaller than the Pyramid of the Sun. Built in stages between 100 AD and 450 AD, it served as a ceremonial center dedicated to the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan, associated with fertility, water, and the earth.

The pyramid served as the focal point for religious ceremonies.The platform in front of the pyramid is thought to have been used for sacrificial ceremonies and other religious events. 

Researchers have discovered that the arrangement of courtyards, corridors, and chambers amplifies sound, allowing spoken words or music to carry across significant distances within the structure. Our guide had one of us stand on the platform and speak in a normal tone while the rest of us stood in front of the pyramids. We could hear him clearly.

This acoustic design probably played a role in rituals and gatherings by enhancing the ceremonial atmosphere and enabling communication during large events. 

Take a look at the silhouette of the volcanic mountain behind the pyramid and compare to the shape of the pyramid.

The "Queen's Palace" was a residential and ceremonial complex.

The walls have detailed murals and intricate architecture.

 

The Avenue of the Dead is the main street that runs for approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) through the heart of Teotihuacan. Lined with smaller pyramids, residential complexes, and temples, it served as the city’s main thoroughfare. 

The name, given by the Aztecs, was based on their belief that the structures lining the avenue were tombs, but now it is believed that they were more likely ceremonial platforms and elite residences. The human remains are now believed to have been the remains of the former residents of the home.

Walking along the Avenue of the Dead it points due north.

 

The city was also a hub for obsidian trade, producing finely crafted tools and ornaments. Today vendors sell souvenirs for tourists. 

 

 

 

Teotihuacan was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered during the colonial period. Extensive archaeological work began in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many artifacts were moved to the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City during the mid-20th century.

The National Archeology Museum is phenomenal. We would highly recommend it. We were with a private guide for 4 hours. And then went back again the next day for another couple of hours on our own.

 Yes, John has turned into a History Geek as well.