Much of our knowledge about the Teotihuacan site is
speculatively based on the architectural ruins that remain; this limited
archaeological evidence makes it difficult to draw concrete conclusions about
Teotihuacan society and culture. Nonetheless, as we have previously explored,
political and cultural inferences can be suggested by the orientation and
design of the remaining structures.
Excavation and carbon-dating indicates that major
construction of the city commenced around 300 CE, and it reached its peak
around 150-500 CE, by which time it dominated other Mesoamerican civilizations,
having an estimated population of 200, 000. A speculated internal crisis led to the city’s razing and
abandonment in c. 750 CE, however, Teotihuacan’s neglected ruins still managed
to impress the Aztecs nearly six centuries later, as they described the city as
the “Place of Gods” upon discovery.
The modern traveler can empathize with this reaction; the
holy city is characterized by vast monuments, and a coherent layout organized
according to cosmic harmony.
All of the major buildings are orientated along the main
axis of the Avenue of the Dead, which
runs approximately north-south, with the Pyramid
of the Moon visible at the northern end, and the Ciduadela (or Citadel) in
southern view. We will be traveling along this broad, central avenue as we explore pyramid complex of the city.
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| Figure 1. Aerial view of Teotihuacan |
To properly experience the grandeur of this ancient city, we
will once again be utilizing Google maps’ “streetview” feature, commencing our
tour at the Pyramid of the Moon (Figure 2). The second largest pyramid in Teotihuacan is located in the
western part of the temple complex. The Avenue of the Dead gives access to the Plaza of the Moon,
a square center at the foot of the pyramid, surrounded by corresponding temples
or altars. The plaza meets a sloped
stairway, leading to the platform atop the pyramid, probably used to conduct
ritualistic ceremonies. The structure itself appears to mimic the contours of
the natural environment, its design echoing the sacred Cerro Gordo Mountain in
the background.
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| Figure 2: Pyramid of the Moon |
Next, we will explore the structure that dominates
Teotihuacan in size and significance, the Pyramid
of the Sun (Figure 3). The pyramid is
located between the Pyramid of the Moon and Ciudadela, and was the first sacred
building erected in the complex. It is believed that applied astronomical logic
determined the orientation of this pyramid, which faces slightly northwest of
the horizon point of the setting sun on the first date of the Maya long-count
calendar. This alignment also creates a monumental vantage point, from which to witness astrological events that were of importance to the
agriculture and spiritual beliefs of the Teotihuacan people.
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| Figure 3: The Pyramid of the Sun |
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| Figure 4 |
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| Figure 5 |
WORKS CITED
Articles:
Sanders, William T and Evans, Susan. "Rulership and Palaces of Teotihuacan. Palaces and Power in the Americas: From Peru to the Northwest Coast, 256-84. University of Texas Press, 2006. Bergin, Eric. "Climbing Mysterious Teotihuacan." The Traveling Reporter, 2012.
Websites:
http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/Places/District/811814
Images:
Figure 1: http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/Places/District/811814
Figure 2: http://tephotos.s3.amazonaws.com/places/web/pramide-de-la-luna_50077c7aa8f32016a180932fa422033b6af97865.jpg
Figure 3: http://klapperscheesereloadeden.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/p9090318.jpg?w=949
Figure 4: https://travelfarandclose.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/dscn1881-copy.jpg
Figure 5: http://hqworld.net/gallery/data/media/133/pyramid_of_the_sun__teotihuacan__mexico.jpg
