The main constructions of the Teotihuacanos were the three great monuments of the city: the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Citadel. According to archaeological evidence, these seem to have been built in the early periods. Then over time they went through stages of remodeling, enlargement, or destruction.
Teotihuacan is located in the Central Basin of Mexico. It was a great metropolis that flourished in the Golden Age of Mesoamerica. Its highly planned design was dominated by two gigantic pyramids and a huge sacred avenue. These large structures were completed before the 3rd century AD.
Ceremonial Centers of the Teotihuacanos
The Pyramid of the Moon
One of the main constructions of the Teotihuacanos is The Pyramid of the Moon. This monument is integrated into both the city plan and the natural environment.
It appears to have been conceived to be the focal point of the North-South Avenue. Being located at the end of this rising avenue, it can be seen from almost everywhere.
It is also in front of a large symmetrical plaza, called the Plaza de la Luna, which magnifies its importance.
This pyramid was built between the 1st and 350th centuries AD in successive stages. In total, it was covered over and over again seven times until it was 46 meters high with a base of 168 meters.
On the south side, it has a steep staircase with a pyramidal structure that allows you to reach the top.
The construction, along with the Plaza, was a religious center where human and animal sacrifices were carried out.
Other types of offerings were also made. Remains of these sacrifices and offerings have been found in the tombs of the pyramid.
The pyramid of the sun
Another of the main constructions of the Teotihuacanos was the Pyramid of the Sun. The beginning of this construction coincided with the completion of the initial phase of the Pyramid of the Moon.
It was ready around 250 AD and is one of the largest structures of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.
Its square base is just over 222 meters on one of its sides, while its five stepped terraces reach a height of about 60 meters.
Recent explorations below the pyramid have revealed a system of caves and tunnel chambers.
Other tunnels have also been discovered throughout the city. Much of the stone used in the construction of Teotihuacán is believed to have been mined there.
The Citadel
The Citadel is the third of the main buildings of the Teotihuacanos. It owes its name to the Spanish explorers who found the ruins of the city in 1500.
In its interior, palaces and temples have been found, and it is thought that it may have been the government center of Teotihuacán, a place for parades, a religious center or others.
Spanning almost seventeen acres, the citadel is located in the very center of Teotihuacan, near the point where Calle de los Muertos crosses East-West Street.
References
- Morley, I. and Renfrew, C. (2010). The Archeology of Measurement: Comprehending Heaven, Earth and Time in Ancient Societies. New York: Cambridge University Press
- Cartwright, M. (2015, February 17). Teotihuacan. Recovered from ancient.eu.
- Pasztory, E. (1997). Teotihuacan: An Experiment in Living. University of Oklahoma Press.
- Teotihuacan Pyramid of the Moon and Plaza (2017). Mexico Archeology. Recovered from mexicoarcheology.com
- Schoch, R. (2004). Voyages of the Pyramid Builders. New York: Penguin.
- Teotihuacan (2017, April 27). Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Recovered from britannica.com.
- George, L. (2004). Teotihuacan: Designing an Ancient Mexican City: Calculating Perimeters and Areas of Squares and Rectangles. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group.
- Teotihuacan Ciudadela (Citadel) (s / f). Recovered from abrock.com.