Teotihuacan - Mexico

Teotihuacan, a huge archaeological complex which showcases some of the largest pyramidal structures in the world, was created in the pre-Columbian Americas and is located in the Basin of Mexico, approximately 50km from Mexico City. The 4km long ancient city today has amazingly well preserved pyramids and structures, most notable are: the Pyramid of the Moon, the Pyramid of the Sun, and a large plaza called the Ciudadela or the Citadel with a grand wide avenue running north-south called the Avenue of the Dead. This name was later inspired by the Aztecs who thought the buildings were tombs for giants or gods, the Aztecs viewed the abandoned city as a spiritual cemetery. The geographical layout of the city was built with a layout like a grid or chessboard and its beginning dates back to approximately 100 B.C. when the Pyramid of Sun was built. The cone-shaped building is approximately 225 meters wide and 225 meters long with a height of 63 meters. It is estimated that  2 millions tons of various materials were used, mostly bricks and soil that were sun dried. The Pyramid of the Moon is smaller measuring 150 x 120 meters with a height of 43 meters, similarly constructed with stepped platforms. These pyramids were painted red and would have been a spectacular sight under the glow of the Mexican sun. The Ciudadela is a huge sunken enclosure located in the center of the city surrounded by four platforms and pyramids. The central pyramid of this complex is richly decorated with sculptures of masked serpents with plumes of feathers around their neck, wonderfully preserved with traces of paint still visible. The peak of city’s development is thought to be between 350-650AD when it was a trading and religious center. During its zenith, the city would have been able to accommodate approximately 200 thousands inhabitants and it area was almost 40 km2. Unfortunately, in the year 650AD the city was destroyed by fire, and for reasons unknown, possibly social, environmental and economic factors, quickly fell into a rapid decline and was finally abandoned in 750AD. There are many scholars who still have divided opinions about the establishment of this city and the buildings, nevertheless, the site is UNESCO listed, is an important pilgrimage site and attracts enormous crowds so go early in the morning to beat the crowds and the midday heat.

Gallery - Teotihuacan