PYRAMIDS OF TEOTIHUACÁN

In a place called Nahuatl Teotihuacán (Na-Whatel – Tao-Tee-Whacan) there are some of the most magnificent pyramids in the world.  The name translates to “The City of the Gods” or “Where Men Become Gods.”  Regardless of what you call it, you will find avenues, plazas, and the pyramids that are a wonderful part of the sacred landscape in this part of the world.

The pyramids of Teotihuacán are a complex of approximately 600 in all.  Some are small but most are quite large.  The largest of the pyramids is the great Pyramid of the Sun, which was first discovered in 1971.  This particular pyramid was constructed over top a natural cave, which includes four separate chambers known as “sacred caves.”  The belief is that the caves were used as escape routes for the spiritual world, known as “Xibalba by the Maya”.  Inside each of the caves are several offerings.

The ancient city of Teotihuacán is one of the largest in all of Mexico.  In fact, this was so large during its peak years in the 6^th century that experts believe around 200,000 people lived there.  However, by the 7^th century, the city was all but abandoned.  Some 1,500 years ago, Teotihuacán was a city that everyone going to Mexico had to see.  They would look at the beautifully painted buildings and take leisurely walks down the Street of the Dead, which was the city’s center. 

During the Mesoamerican times, shopping and trading was strong, people worshipped at the various temples in the city, and literally thousands of people would venture out into the villages to visit the market and enjoy the sites.  In addition, the plazas in Teotihuacán would be filled once a year with people from the countryside who came to join in the annual ceremonies.  During its highest point, this was a glorious city but that all faded.

This city was so large that during its height in the 6^th century, it was considered the sixth largest in the entire world.  In addition to the massive ceremonies, Teotihuacán also features magnificent temples and palaces, primarily on the north end of the city.  One such palace was called Quetzalcoatl, along with the Butterfly Palace, Palace of the Jaguars, and the Feathered Conches.  The stone carvings seen at each are beautiful, consisting of butterflies, birds, and other artistic designs.

All around the pyramids of Teotihuacán, you can see the level of artistry and sophistication of the people.  Another interesting feature of some of the pyramids is that they are designed with a thick layer of mica that was imported from Brazil.  Being extremely fragile and coming some 2,000 miles away, it is impressive that such large pieces could make it to Mexico without being broken or damaged.  This mica was then used on the inside walls of the pyramid, which is a great electronic and electrical insulator.  This type of knowledge and sophistication is what adds to the long list of mysteries surrounding the Teotihuacán pyramids and the people who built them.

As you look around the rest of the city, you will find ancient apartment complexes, most located on the side of a sunken and open courtyard.  Experts also believe that a large number of artisans and traders lived in this part of Mexico.  For example, you will find many beautiful murals, one in particular that depicts a native Spider Woman who was a goddess that the people believed to control the creation of the universe.  The fascinating aspect of this is that the Spider Woman looks very much like the Navajo and Pueblo mythical creature, the Spider Grandmother. 

The demise of this incredible existence could have been brought on by several things to include climactic changes occurring during the Classic period.  Another reason could be that much of the vegetation was cut, leaving the valley barren and without natural resources.  Then as the center of Mexico became more populated and productive, trading increased, which simply led to changes and eventually, the fall.  At this time, any unifying force in Mesoamerica was nonexistent.

Through all the ups and downs, the construction, the blood, sweat, and tears of the pyramids, when visiting this region of Mexico, you cannot help but stand back and marvel at the massiveness of the structures.  Standing there looking at the pyramids allows you the unique opportunity to envision the days when hundreds of thousand of people were milling about, not giving much thought to the magnificent nature of the structures that today we find absolutely, intriguing.