Throughout Mexico, you will find a number of ruins that provide a glimpse of the past civilizations and their amazing skill.  One of the most incredible of these is called the Teotihuacan Olmec Ruins, which when visiting Mexico is something you do not want to bypass.  The name Teotihuacan translates to “place of the gods”, which was created sometime early in the 1^st century.  When first founded, these ruins were designed as a center a very fertile valley that would be used for religious purposes. 

Located not far from today’s Mexico City, legend has it that the god to determine which would have the responsibility of bringing light to the world.  One god was handsome and called Tecciztecatl and one that was ugly called Nanauatl stepped forward.  However, it was Nanauatl that took control, transforming into bright sun.  However, Tecciztecatl who was not as assertive took the role as moon god. 

Then, the cult of the Sun and Moon gods aroused religious interest, which stirred massive populations to begin building their empire that would soon dominate all of the central highlands.  In fact, this domination was so powerful that it lasted a total of seven centuries.  In 100AD, the Sun constructed the pyramid, which is the third largest throughout the entire world.  Some of the elements of the Olmec culture were adopted by Teotihuacan.  For example, the plumed serpent was common. 

By 600 AD, the city had grown so large and was such a commercial Mecca that more than 200,000 people lived and worked there.  However, before that in 400 AD, Teotihuacan was known for invading the southern highlands.  At that time, the Mayan civilization began incorporating the Mexican style into their lifestyle.  In fact, the Mayans, which created the infamous Mayan Calendar, even stopped using this system of time! 

Unfortunately, by the year 700 AD, the decline of Teotihuacan was obvious.  However, even with the fall of this era, the Teotihuacan Olmec ruins live on for people to enjoy.  During the prime, this city was the home to more than 5,000 ceremonial structures.  With the construction designed north/south and then east/west, the Pyramid of the Sun literally dominates the area, which stands more than 200 feet tall and each of the sides 700 feet long.  The site is truly amazing and well worth the visit.