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The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan

On the list of popular historical attractions in Mexico is the ancient city of Teotihuacan. On its territory conducted archaeological research, formed tourist routes. Until the modern period have survived the ancient palaces of the rich Aztecs, temples, ritual structures, the Pyramid of the Sun (Mexico).

History of the ancient city of Teotihuacan

Pyramid of the Sun
The Pyramid of the Sun in the ancient city of Teotihuacan.

The ancient settlement is located on the territory of Mexico. The area of buildings was then about 28 square kilometers, the population exceeded 150 thousand people. It was one of the oldest and largest cities of pre-Columbian America. The mysterious settlement ruins have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

About the inhabitants, the peculiarities of life of the ancient people, scientists are collecting data for 150 years of archaeological excavations.

Teotihuacan is compared to the pyramid complex in Egypt because people used a similar system of measures in erecting these structures. The city is distinguished by its smooth geometric shapes, which required complex mathematical calculations and knowledge of astronomy to recreate.

What does the name mean

The original name of the settlement is unknown. In Mayan texts the city was referred to as puh, which means “thickets of reeds.

The name Teotihuacan was given to the ruins of the settlement by the Aztecs several centuries later. In the original language, the name is translated as “the place where the gods touch the earth. The settlement confirms the presence of an advanced civilization on the territory of South America several centuries BC.

Short Synopsis

According to historians, the formation of the city dates back to 2,000 years ago. The work was carried out by the population who migrated from the territories affected by tectonic destruction and volcanic eruptions. According to other versions, it was an older civilization: people lived here before III. B.C.

The main monuments of the city were formed in stages until AD 250. The Aztec civilization began to decline in the 2nd half of the 6th century. By the 2nd half of the 7th century the inhabitants had completely abandoned these territories.

Researchers estimate that Teotihuacan was multi-ethnic. The city was inhabited by the Totonaki and Otomi tribes. Migrants from various Mesoamerican regions settled in the suburbs.

The city was built according to an elaborate plan: the streets cross the central avenues at right angles. The settlement was built along the Road of the Dead, 3 km long and 40 m wide.

Residential buildings were made of straw and clay. Earthen structures were one-story with doors and no windows. They formed residential neighborhoods with narrow streets.

The Teotihuacan has many concreted surfaces (floors, pads). According to scientists, the premises had a drainage system of canals to supply water to the city.

The city was governed by rulers who established a clear order of life for the people. The clergy also had knowledge of astrology. During the excavations, archaeologists found altars in the houses.

Pilgrims came to Teotihuacan. At the center was the inner square of the Citadel, which accommodated up to 100,000 people. The structure has survived to the present day.

The development of Aztec civilization coincides with the heyday of ancient Rome, but the history of Mesoamerican settlement was longer. The city was visited by merchants traveling through the valley of Mexico City for transactions, etc.

Where is the city of Teotihuacan

The pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan is located in a municipality 50 km northeast of the center of Mexico City. Buildings, places of worship are located in the Mexican highlands. The ancient city is built at an altitude of up to 2,285 meters above sea level.

Archaeologists have found traces of volcanic eruptions, changes in climatic conditions, and prolonged droughts.

Teotihuacan on the map
Teotihuacan is located 50 kilometers from Mexico City.

Photo of the ancient city

From the ancient settlement majestic pyramids, cult constructions, residential buildings, objects of everyday life and many others have been preserved. Archaeological research is regularly conducted on its territory and new data about the preceding civilization is revealed. Tourists can visit the ancient palaces, climb the temple steps and observation decks, etc.

Teotihuacan
Archaeological research is being conducted at Teotihuacan.

Archaeological and religious significance of the ancient complex

In modern times, the city is a major archaeological complex. It is the largest cluster of ancient ruins in the world. According to researchers, the peculiarities of masonry buildings, religious structures indicate a high level of development of civilization.

The object allows to reproduce the peculiarities of ancient people’s life, to study construction technologies, etc. Archaeologists found reservoirs in the city, which accumulated rainwater, as well as granaries, fairgrounds, theaters, etc.

According to scholars, the city was located at the crossroads of trade routes and was prosperous. After archaeological investigations, workshops and tools for crafts were discovered.

The territory of Teotihuacan was home to jewelers, potters, and other craftsmen who supplied products to Central American settlements. Vases, vessels decorated with paintings, moldings, jade goods, masks, etc. were found.

Sights of Teotihuacan in Mexico

Attractions of the city are open to tourists. Travelers can see palaces that served as administrative centers, residential buildings, workshops, pyramids of the Moon and the Sun. There is a museum in the complex, which contains artifacts found during excavations, frescoes, masks, vessels.

The ancient palaces of the city

The Aztec palaces (Atetelco and Tetitla) remain in the northern part of the ancient complex. The walls of these buildings are decorated with frescoes. Most of the interior decoration has not been restored, so you can get an idea of the skill, technology of the ancient builders.

At the entrance to the Tetitla palace of 120 steps, which are decorated with images of snakes, stands a sculpture of the Aztec god Tlaloc. The frescoes on this building are well preserved.

Atetelco Palace has been restored many times. There are also original paintings, frescoes with images of guars, coyotes.

Pyramid of the Moon

One of the city’s important cultic buildings, the Pyramid of the Moon, is located at the northern end of the Road of the Dead. The object reaches a height of 42 m. From the top of the pyramid there is a picturesque view of the ruins of the city.

The structure is designed with 5 tiers. The central road smoothly passes into a stone staircase that leads to the top of the pyramid. In front of the site is the main plaza of Teotihuacan.

The Pyramid of the Moon is a medium-sized pyramid, used by priests to prepare predictions. According to the location of the stars, the ministers made predictions and made judgments.

Inside the pyramid, archaeologists found burials of honorable men. Bones of wolves, cougars, eagles, and jaguars were found along with them. There is evidence of ritual sacrifices.

Pyramid of the Moon
The Pyramid of the Moon is of medium size.

Pyramid of the Sun

The biggest pyramid in town. According to historians, it was erected in 150 B.C. The site is east of the Road of the Dead. Religious rituals were held here.

In height the pyramid reaches 75 m, parameters of the base – 220*230 m. The complex is designed over a cave, which is 100 m wide and up to 6 m deep. The pyramid is located under the tomb of the rulers of the ancient civilization.

It is a structure of 5 tiers with a flat top. The Pyramid of the Sun is built of earth, cobblestone, clay and lined with stone blocks. Between the upper tiers, scientists found a thick layer of mica.

On the surface of the structure were found:

  • jade masks;
  • vessels;
  • seashells;
  • knives;
  • jewelry;
  • tips, etc.

Temple of Quetzalcoatl

In the center of the town square is the temple of Quetzalcoatl, the main deity of the ancient civilization.

The pyramid-shaped structure is decorated with carved ornaments with national motifs. The main deity was presented to ancient people as a large serpent covered with plumage. At times of religious festivals they visited the temple for rituals and worship.

The structure is surrounded by the walls of the citadel, which served as the main center of the Aztec rulers. This was the seat of the supreme chief. The length of each of the four walls of the citadel – up to 400 m.

The site is under restoration, partially reconstructed from the findings of archaeologists. The front wall of the temple of Quetzalcoatl has been preserved in its original form.

In the center of the building there is a small pond, by the reflections in which the priests made predictions. Not far from the temple is a tunnel 100 m long, running at 14 m underground.

Temple of Quetzalcoatl
The Temple of Quetzalcoatl is under restoration.

Map of Teotihuacan

Before your trip, it is important to determine from the map what you can see in the complex. With the help of the scheme you can plan a tourist itinerary. The map of Teotihuacan shows a general plan of the ancient complex, marked the remains of the foundations of residential buildings and places of worship. On the scheme you can see the buildings of the ancient people, recreated by scientists after archaeological excavations.

Map of Teotihuacan
Plan map of Teotihuacan.

Schedule of work of the complex

The complex welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. On Monday, the archaeological museum is closed to tourists. Standard office hours are 07:00-17:00. Experts recommend arriving at the site early enough to have time to see all the preserved sights before noon.

The cost of a ticket to the Mexican Archaeological Zone

The price of guided tours of the ancient ruins for tourists is 64 MXN. In addition to the ticket for the entrance to the archaeological complex travelers need to buy an additional permit for photography and video. For this you will need to pay another 45 MXN.

How to get to Teotihuacan

The city is located in the municipality of San Juan Teotihuacan and is 40 km from the capital of Mexico. You can travel around the site at different times of the year. In summer the average temperature is +27°C, in winter it is about +22°C. Tourists can reach the complex from Mexico City, Cancun, and other parts of the country.

From Cancun.

It is convenient to get from Cancun by airplane. It takes up to 2 hours to reach Mexico City. Tickets cost about €45-170 depending on the time of the flight. It takes more than 12 hours to travel by bus from Cancun.

From Mexico City

There are shuttle buses from Mexico City to the ancient complex. Transport is dispatched during the day. From the northern terminal (Terminal Autobuses del Norte) the flights run at intervals of about 15 minutes.

Buses run from 07.00 to 18.00 hours. The flights that go to Teotihuacan are called Los Pirámides. The price of a bus ticket from Mexico City is about 44 MXN. You can take the shuttle bus back to the North Terminal.

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