Mexico is the state of many Aztec and Mayan sites, but Teotihuacan of the pre-Columbian era is the largest Mesoamerican town known to us until now. Adorning the Basin of Mexico at a distance of 25 miles, Teotihuacan is today a huge archaeological area that has already grabbed the honor of the World Heritage Site. Among all the structures excavated here, it is the Teotihuacan pyramids that pull a myriad of tourists here every year rendering Mexico an all-time hustling state. Besides these pyramids that have since several centuries forced the experts to travel from Egypt to Mexico, Teotihuacan is also the home of the Avenue of the Dead, dwelling sections, and colorful murals.
It would surprise you that Teotihuacan is actually not the real name of this ancient city; in fact; nobody knows the actual name even today. From the excavations, it was found that the Aztecs had given this site the today’s known name that literally stands for the Abode of Gods. The Aztecs gave such a name as they were of the opinion that several myths of the Nahua creation were occurred here. Not only on its name, but there exist a difference of opinion regarding the time of the town’s prosperity. A few orthodox archaeologists think it to be somewhere from 1500 to 1000 BC, whereas some believe it to be from 100 BC to 700 AD. The mystery of this site still continues with regards to its position. A few think that it was a multiethnic region, but some have revealed it to be the hub of the state kingdom from the Mesoamerican documentation discovered from the other ancient ruins.
The overall plan of the site resembles typical Mesoamerican for indicating the vista of the Universe. What will further astonish you is the fact that the urban system is in line with the latitude or longitude that is believed to be earthly line from where the sun rises annually during a preset summer day. This kind of unbelievable setup facilitated the folks of those days to identify the time, plant crops, and carry out customs.
Coming to the Teotihuacan pyramids, they are mysteriously named as the Pyramid of Sun and Pyramid of Moon. However, there is a belief behind naming these pyramids in such a manner. When Aztecs used to live here, they regarded the city as the main site of pilgrimage, as they believe that the sun was born here according to the legend of Tollan. Surrounding the Avenue of the Dead, these Teotihuacan pyramids are just attention grabbing structures that are not only ceremonially important, but are also an architectural delight. Among the two, the huge Teotihuacan pyramid of the Sun stands second in the register of the largest pyramids of the New World. It is obvious that this one is the most spectacular pyramid here, which is an artificial hill considered to be sacred. However, any further details of one of the most admired Teotihuacan pyramids is still a mystery to be solved including its name, purpose, and significance. One more mystery about this pyramid is its granulated mica sheet of 1 foot, which used to safeguard its uppermost level. Regarding this, a popular suggestion reveals that mica being the energy conductor was able to gain lengthy celestial radiations whose energy used to be assembled by the pyramid to be taken down underneath the pyramid. It might have been then this energy that must have been used during solar as well as lunar cycles that were know through the other structures of astronomical observation surrounding Teotihuacan.
For the tourists, the most exciting activity is to ascend these pyramids for being at its summit to enjoy a panoramic vista of the overall site and also of the Teotihuacan pyramid of the Moon that is just in the right. Amidst the cool breeze, the visitors also take pleasure in having the view of some more pyramids that stand even today by the side of the Avenue of the Dead. What augments your excitement is the fact that there is something similar between these Teotihuacan pyramids and the pyramids of Egypt. The similarity is the size of the bases.
Check out for the Avenue of the Dead, an extensive middle path that holds many small platforms that reveal the architectural style of talud-tablero. Again, this name was also given by the Aztecs who thought it to be the home of several tombs. However, this has been proved wrong by the experts who have proved it to be the sight of the ceremonial purposes and temples. Move down from here to spot the Citadel holding the Temple of the Feathered Serpent. There used to be many shrines here indicating the religious section of Teotihuacan. The name ‘Citadel’ was wrongly given by the Spanish here.
