1. Visit an ancient city of the Gods
Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located in the Basin of Mexico, approximately 30 miles northeast of modern-day Mexico City. Teotihuacan means “the place where the gods were created” in the Nahuatl, the language spoken by the Aztecs and other indigenous people in Mexico.
2. A city full of mystery
Teotihuacan was one of the largest and most influential cities in pre-Columbian America, with a population estimated to have been between 100,000 and 200,000 at its peak in the 4th century CE. The city was established around 200 BCE, and its civilization flourished until around 750 CE, when it was abandoned for mysterious reasons.
3. Presence the magnificence of the pyramids
The city’s layout is characterized by a series of monumental buildings and plazas arranged in a grid pattern, with the main axis oriented towards the northeast. The two most famous structures in Teotihuacan are the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which are situated at opposite ends of the city’s central avenue.
4. Learn the history of the American continent
The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest structure in Teotihuacan, standing at a height of 216 feet. It was built in several stages, with the earliest construction dating back to around 100 CE. The pyramid is made of sun-dried bricks and covered in stucco, which has been painted red to resemble the color of the sun. The Pyramid of the Moon is slightly smaller, standing at a height of 140 feet, and was built later than the Pyramid of the Sun, around 200 CE.
5. Learn about ancient mythology
Other notable structures in Teotihuacan include the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, which is also known as the Temple of the Plumed Serpent or the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. This structure is located at the southern end of the city’s central avenue and features intricate carvings and murals depicting the feathered serpent, a powerful deity in Mesoamerican mythology.
6. Learn about ancient architecture
The city also contains a number of residential complexes, such as the Ciudadela, which was a fortified residential complex located at the center of the city. The Ciudadela was surrounded by a wall and contained a large courtyard and several smaller structures, including the Temple of the Feathered Serpent.
7. Learn about the people before us
The origins of Teotihuacan are shrouded in mystery, with little known about the people who founded the city. Archaeological evidence suggests that the city was inhabited by a multi-ethnic population, with people from different parts of Mesoamerica coming to Teotihuacan to live and work.
8. Learn about ancient art
One of the most intriguing aspects of Teotihuacan is its cultural and artistic legacy. The city’s artists and craftsmen produced a wide variety of objects, including pottery, sculpture, and jewelry, that are known for their high quality and intricate design. The city’s murals, which can be seen in the Temple of the Feathered Serpent and other structures, are particularly notable for their vibrant colors and detailed depictions of animals, plants, and deities.
9. Learn about ancient religious beliefs
Teotihuacan also played an important role in the religious beliefs of the Mesoamerican peoples. The city’s monuments and structures were seen as symbols of the gods and were used for rituals and ceremonies. The Pyramid of the Sun, for example, was believed to represent the center of the universe and was used for astronomical observations and calculations.
10. Visit a UNESCO world heritage site
Despite its importance, Teotihuacan was abandoned around 750 CE for reasons that remain a mystery. Some scholars believe that the city was destroyed by internal conflict or external invasion, while others suggest that environmental factors, such as drought or famine, may have played a role.
Our visit to this breathtaking place was a unique experience that we will treasure for many years to come. We highly recommend anyone visiting Mexico to make Teotihuacan one of your stops to presence the beauty and magnificent creations of a civilization which still holds many mysteries.
Today, Teotihuacan is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
