Teotihuacan: An Ancient Metropolis of Pyramids

Situated approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of present-day Mexico City, Teotihuacan stands as one of the ancient world’s most expansive urban centers, dating back over 2,000 years. The identity of its builders remains shrouded in mystery, yet the city thrived from around 2,100 years ago when construction commenced, until approximately 1,400 years ago, when a period of decline set in, marked by a significant fire that caused considerable damage. Despite this downturn, Teotihuacan never truly vanished; the Aztecs continued to make regular pilgrimages to the site in subsequent eras.
The original name of the city and its structures, as coined by its inhabitants, remains unknown. It was the Aztecs who bestowed upon it the name Teotihuacan, signifying “the place where the gods were created.”
Size and Influence:
During its zenith, Teotihuacan spanned an urban core of roughly 8 square miles (20 square km), inhabited by a population estimated to exceed 100,000 individuals. Its reach extended across central Mexico and even as far south as Guatemala.
Structured Organization:
The city was meticulously planned with a grid layout, featuring numerous “apartment compounds” where multiple families resided. Archaeological surveys have identified approximately 2,200 of these structures within Teotihuacan, revealing varying degrees of wealth and construction quality among them.
Prominent Features:
The central thoroughfare of the city, known today as the Avenue of the Dead, traverses north to south, housing three major pyramid complexes.
– Pyramid of the Moon:
Situated at the avenue’s northern terminus, this pyramid underwent construction in stages between approximately A.D. 1 and 350. Initially a modest platform, it evolved into a towering structure reaching 150 feet (46 meters) in height. The pyramid’s elevated platforms likely hosted rituals observable by the populace below.
– Pyramid of the Sun:
Less than half a mile to the south stands the Pyramid of the Sun, a colossal edifice towering over 200 feet (63 meters) high, with a base stretching more than 730 feet (225 meters) on each side. Completed around A.D. 200, this pyramid’s interior yielded discoveries such as a tunnel leading to a looted chamber, potentially used for ritual purposes.
– Temple of the Feathered Serpent:
South of the Pyramid of the Sun lies this monument, alternatively known as “La Ciudadela.” Featuring a six-stepped pyramid adorned with reliefs depicting Quetzalcoatl and Tlaloc, it served as a focal point for ritualistic activities. Nearby burials revealed sacrificial practices, shedding light on Teotihuacan’s societal dynamics.
Artistic Legacy:
Teotihuacan is renowned for its vibrant murals gracing plastered walls across the city, showcasing motifs ranging from deities like Tlaloc to animals like jaguars and coyotes.
Debate Surrounding Writing:
The presence of pictographic figures at Teotihuacan sparks debate over whether it constituted a fully developed writing system. Some scholars argue for the existence of a complex hieroglyphic script, augmenting the city’s grandeur.
Impact of Megathrust Earthquakes:
Analysis indicates that Teotihuacan endured five powerful megathrust earthquakes between A.D. 100 and 600, originating from the Middle American Trench. These seismic events not only physically damaged the city’s pyramids but also potentially destabilized its social and political structures, contributing to its eventual decline.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *