Teotihuacan, Mexico

Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located in the Basin of Mexico, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of modern-day Mexico City. It was one of the largest and most influential cities of ancient Mesoamerica and is known for its monumental pyramids, temples, and urban planning. Here are key points about Teotihuacan:

1. City Layout: Teotihuacan was planned with a grid-like layout, featuring a central avenue called the Avenue of the Dead (Calzada de los Muertos). This avenue is flanked by important structures, including pyramids, platforms, and residential complexes.
2. Time Period: The city flourished during the pre-Columbian Mesoamerican Classic Period, estimated to be between the 1st and 7th centuries CE. The city reached its zenith around 450 CE.
3. Name: The name “Teotihuacan” is Nahuatl and means “the place where the gods were created” or “the place of the gods.” The city was named by the Aztecs, who discovered its ruins centuries after its decline.
4. Pyramids: Teotihuacan is most famous for its impressive pyramids. The three main pyramids are:
   • Pyramid of the Sun: The largest pyramid at Teotihuacan and one of the largest in Mesoamerica.
   • Pyramid of the Moon: Located at the northern end of the Avenue of the Dead, it is slightly smaller than the Pyramid of the Sun.
   • The Feathered Serpent Pyramid (Quetzalcoatl): Also known as the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, it is adorned with intricate carvings of feathered serpents.
5. Avenue of the Dead: This central avenue served as the main ceremonial and religious axis of the city. It is lined with various structures, including the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and the Ciudadela (Citadel).
6. Ciudadela: The Ciudadela is a large open space at the southern end of the Avenue of the Dead, and it contains the Feathered Serpent Pyramid. It is believed to have had important ritual and administrative functions.
7. Residential Complexes: Teotihuacan had numerous residential complexes, some of which were multistory apartment buildings. Notable examples include the Tetitla and the Yayahuala complexes.
8. Mural Art: Teotihuacan is known for its vibrant mural art found in various structures, including the Tetitla, Atetelco, and Tepantitla residential complexes. The murals depict scenes of daily life, religious ceremonies, and deities.
9. Tunnel Discoveries: In recent years, archaeological excavations and tunnel explorations beneath the pyramids have revealed hidden chambers and artifacts, shedding light on the city’s history.
10. Decline and Abandonment: The reasons for the decline and abandonment of Teotihuacan are not fully understood. Factors such as social unrest, environmental issues, or internal conflicts among the city’s inhabitants have been proposed.
11. Rediscovery: The ruins of Teotihuacan were rediscovered by the Aztecs around the 15th century. They believed the city to be a sacred place and incorporated it into their own religious and cultural beliefs.
12. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Teotihuacan was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
13. Tourism: Today, Teotihuacan is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to explore its ancient structures, climb the pyramids, and learn about Mesoamerican history.

Teotihuacan continues to be a source of fascination for archaeologists, historians, and visitors, offering insights into the advanced urban planning and cultural achievements of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.