Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, Mexico. Pyramids in Mexico and ancient Mayan cities. Teotihuacan - model of the solar system
The pre-Columbian pyramids of the ancient city of Teotihuacan rise above the surrounding valley, 50 km northeast of Mexico City. This amazing pyramid complex is all that remains of what was once the largest city Central America. Anyone who comes here will be inspired by the amazing technological power of the Teotihuacan civilization. It included thousands residential complexes and several pyramid temples comparable to the largest Egyptian pyramids. The city was built and then abandoned long before the Aztecs arrived in central Mexico. Amazed by what they saw, the Aztecs named it Teotihuacan (translated as “divine place”), believing that the gods created the Universe here. Today it is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico. Tourists from all over the world flock here to see the famous monument World Heritage UNESCO.
For most people, the word "pyramid" is associated with ancient Egyptian monuments. In fact, ancient cultures on virtually every continent erected triangular monuments at one time or another in their history. The pyramids of Teotihuacan in Mexico are famous relics of a lost, mysterious culture.
The development of Teotihuacan began around the first century BC, and the most active phase of expansion and construction occurred until 450 AD. This important religious and economic center of pre-Columbian America had approximately 125,000 inhabitants (some estimates 200,000) at its peak and covered an area of 23 km2 - the largest city in the world at that time.
Teotihuacan gained economic and political weight through the obsidian trade. This stone played a significant role in human history. At that time, the Indians of pre-Columbian America, who did not know the technology of iron smelting, made jewelry, tools and weapons from this material.
Oddly enough, Teotihuacan, famous for a number of large pyramids, had no defenses at all, although scholars argue that its military and cultural influence spread throughout many regions of Central America. The origin of the ancient city still remains a mystery and raises many questions: what language they spoke, where they came from, why they left this place around 700. Archaeologists put forward various hypotheses about the reasons for the death of civilization, ranging from enslavement by more warlike neighbors to the depletion of material and other resources necessary for its survival. Today, three large and a number of small pyramids, sacrificial altars, and some houses of the nobility have survived from the once huge city.
Ancient builders covered their monuments with plaster and decorated them with paintings. The pyramids have stood the test of time, but the painting and plaster have not. It is believed that the paintings on the sides of the pyramids included images of a jaguar, stars, and snakes. It should be noted that monumental painting in Teotihuacan reached the highest level in Central America.
After its decline, Teotihuacan became a place of pilgrimage for noble Aztecs. It continues to be an important place of pilgrimage today, with thousands of believers coming here every year to celebrate the vernal equinox and soak in the mystical energy emitted by the ruins of the ancient city.
You could easily spend an entire day at the pyramids of Teotihuacan, wandering through the giant work of architecture. The pyramids provide a fascinating window into Mexico's ancient world, and no one can deny the beauty of this architectural marvel of pre-Columbian America.
Sights of Teotihuacan
Pyramid of the Sun
In Mexico and Central America, it is customary to build new temples on the remains of previous ones. The Pyramid of the Sun was built on the remains of older buildings until it reached its current size. Construction was most likely completed in the first century AD, and the temple on top was built 300 years later. By the time Teotihuacan was discovered by the Spaniards, the temple had completely collapsed, and the pyramid had turned into a mass of rubble, covered with bushes and trees.
The Pyramid of the Sun is the third largest ancient structure in the world after the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and the Pyramids of Cholula in Mexico. Along the perimeter of the base (893 m), the Pyramid of the Sun is almost the same as the Pyramid of Cheops. But at 71m tall, it is about half as tall as its Egyptian counterpart. The pyramid was built from three million tons of stone without the use of metal tools, pack animals or wheels. Despite the fact that the Pyramid of the Sun was not built as the tomb of the king of the ruling dynasty, artificially dug tunnels were discovered at a depth of 6 meters from the surface, which archaeologists consider spiritually significant for the ancient builders of Teotihuacan. The pyramid played an important role in political and religious life.
During the spring equinox, huge crowds of tourists visit Teotihuacan, climb the steps of the Pyramid of the Sun and turn to face the Sun with open arms. There are many different interpretations of this tradition, but most participants believe that at this moment the divine energy hidden in the pyramid is released. Many visitors claim that at this moment they feel a sense of harmony and peace with the world around them.
Pyramid of the Moon
The second largest pyramid of Teotihuacan is located in the northern part of the ancient city. Built on a small hill, it reaches almost the same height as the Pyramid of the Sun, although in reality it is 29 meters lower. The view from the top of the Pyramid of the Moon is just as beautiful as from the top of its larger neighbor. Excavations at the base of the pyramid revealed tombs containing stone artifacts and the remains of sacrificed animals. Visitors can climb the Pyramid of the Moon and enjoy views of Teotihuacan along the Avenue of the Dead.
Temple of the Feathered Serpent
In the center of Teotihuacan there is a square that the Spaniards called La Ciudadela (The Citadel). The Citadel is believed to have housed the residence of the city's supreme ruler and the home of the elite. In reality, this huge area was not a fortress, although the impressive walls (each 390 m long) created the appearance of a defensive structure. The central element of the Citadel is the Temple of the Feathered Serpent. The temple is built in the shape of a pyramid, which was once decorated with complex carvings of the heads of feathered snakes, partially preserved on the western side. The temple is famous for the numerous burials of sacrificed animals found within its walls.
Teotihuacan – useful tips tourists
The Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan is the 3rd largest pyramid in the world, but it is the tallest pyramid in the world that you can climb to the top (248 steps) and stand where the main Aztec priests stood. This is one of the main attractions of a visit here. From the top of the Pyramid of the Sun there is a beautiful panoramic view of the ancient city, and from the Pyramid of the Moon there is a beautiful view of the Avenue of the Dead. The Avenue of the Dead divides the ancient city into two parts and received its name from the Aztecs, who mistook the small temples on both sides of the avenue for the tombs of kings. Scientists have now established that these were ceremonial platforms topped by temples.
The archaeological complex occupies a vast area; here you will have to walk a lot and climb the pyramids. Take care of sandwiches, water, a hat, good sports shoes and sunscreen.
Climb the pyramids first, and then walk around the entire complex. If you visit the complex early in the morning, do beautiful pictures from the top and you won't be disturbed by crowds of other visitors going up and down.
Unfortunately, Teotihuacan is very commercialized today. Try to come here early on weekdays to avoid the influx of tourists and enjoy the pyramids and the sea of tranquility around. Groups of tourists, and with them local traveling salesmen, appear later.
On the territory of the complex, local merchants constantly approach tourists, trying to sell all sorts of trinkets, which, in general, is annoying. If you've never been to Mexico before, it will be unusual. Sometimes they can be very aggressive and persistent. Just don't look them in the eye, or say "No gracias" and they'll get away from you very quickly. Sellers offer silver items (they are cheap in Mexico) and Aztec flutes.
Local vendors throughout the archaeological area offer drinks and snacks, but many visitors take sandwiches with them. Almost any hotel or restaurant in Mexico City will help prepare breakfast cereal for you.
The ruins of Teotihuacan are open to the public daily from 07:00 am to 17:00 pm.
Hotel Villa Arqueológica of Teotihuacan is the only hotel located in the archaeological zone of Teotihuacan, a 5-minute walk from the main entrance. The hotel is open all year round.
Entrance to the complex is paid (there is an additional fee for the right to use a video camera).
If you have a car, you can freely drive around the entire perimeter (provided you are staying at a hotel here or heading to one of the restaurants). Park police may prohibit driving on the archaeological site unless you are staying at a hotel.
You can rent a bike and ride around the entire perimeter of the archaeological site on the rough stone road.
On the territory there is the Teotihuacan Museum (Museo Teotihuacan), in which the ancient city is reconstructed in detail.
How to get there
By car (or taxi). The trip takes about 45 minutes from Mexico City if you use the toll road. If you use the old free road, it will take much longer. Parking is paid. Taking a taxi is not cheap.
By bus. Buses to Teotihuacan depart from Mexico City every half hour from two locations:
Bus station near the Autobuses del Norte metro exit, Line 5
Exit Potrero metro station, Line 3.
When purchasing tickets at the bus station, make sure that the bus goes to the ruins of Teotihuacan and not to the nearby city of San Juan Teotihuacan. When leaving the Potrero metro station, look for the white buses heading towards the pyramids. The trip will take about an hour. Buses drop off passengers at Puerta 2 (near the Pyramid of the Sun), or in front of the main entrance.
Bus tour. Majority travel agencies They offer half-day or full-day trips, often in combination with a visit to the Plaza of Three Cultures and the Basilica of Mary of Guadalupe. This is the most convenient way to combine visits to three interesting places, but be sure to remember that you need to arrive to Teotihuacan as early as possible. Like all excursions, during this tour a lot of time will be spent visiting souvenir shops, however, many people are happy with this option.
Step pyramids are an important part of the architecture of the peoples who once inhabited the territory of Mexico. The pyramids of Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, and Uxmal are the most popular among tourists. They are the ones that usually come to mind when mentioning the Mexican pyramids. But there are many more ancient pyramidal structures on the territory of this country. Their creation in different time Different peoples were engaged in this, and, of course, they are all different from each other.
El Tajin arose during the heyday of the pre-Columbian Veracruz culture on the Gulf Coast near the present city of Poza Rica. On an area of more than a thousand hectares there are multi-tiered pyramids, ball courts, statues depicting gods, dwellings of priests and Indian leaders. The heyday of the City of Thunder, as its name is translated from the Totonac language, occurred in the 9th-12th centuries. At that time it occupied an area of more than 10 square kilometers, and its population was several thousand people.
In the center of the city there is a palace and temple complex, most of the buildings of which were erected between 600 and 900 AD. e. The El-Tahin pyramid or the Niche pyramid is dedicated to the supreme thunder god Tahin, the patron of rain. The seven-tier structure, whose height reaches 25 m, is decorated with deep niches running along the ledges.
At the base of the pyramid is a square with a side of 35 meters. All seven tiers of the pyramid have square niches, painted red on the inside and decorated with reliefs depicting snakes. There are 365 such niches. On the eastern slope there is a staircase decorated with mosaics and numbering 364 steps.
The city was destroyed at the beginning of the 13th century. The fire, as scientists suggest, forced residents of the city to leave it. Until the end of the eighteenth century, Europeans did not know about the existence of El Tajin. It was only in 1875 that the Pyramid of Niš was discovered by chance.
2 Tula
Tula - ancient capital Toltecs, one of the main pre-Columbian cultures of Mesoamerica. It is usually identified with the mythical city of Tollan. Tula is located 65 km northwest of Mexico City on the banks of the river of the same name.
The most famous of the surviving structures is the Pyramid of the Morning Star, on the platform of which stands a group of five-meter stone sculptures of warriors who once supported the roof of the temple. At the entrance there are large statues of snakes.
In the 13th century, Tula was destroyed. The huge figures of warriors at the foot of the pyramid were ritually buried and thanks to this they have been preserved to this day.
3 Tzintzuntzan
The city of Tzintzuntzan was founded by the Purépecha people in the 13th century. In the same century, it became the capital of the state known among historians as Tarasco. The area of the city was about 7 km². Ancient Tzintzuntzan is located on a slope, slightly higher than the modern city.
The ritual structure of the Purépecha people was a platform consisting of 10 steps (total height 13 m). Five stood on the platform burial pyramids, numbering 12 steps.
The Spaniards, who arrived in Tzintzuntzan in 1529, burned alive the ruler of Tangahuan II and destroyed the city in order to use its stones to build Catholic cathedrals and houses for the Spanish administration. But the pyramids have been partially preserved.
4 Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan is an abandoned city located 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City in the municipality of San Juan Teotihuacan. The pyramids of Teotihuacan are among the most famous Mexican pyramids. They are often called Aztec pyramids, although this is not true.
Very little is known about Teotihuacan. It was abandoned 700 years before the Aztecs arrived there in the 15th century and gave it its name. The first settlements were founded in these places in the 5th century BC, and in the 5th century AD Teotihuacan was largest city Central America. Modern researchers believe that the area of this ancient settlement was 26-28 square meters. km, and the population is about 200 thousand people.
Some of the main and oldest buildings of Teotihuacan are the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest building in the city of Teotihuacan and one of the largest in Mesoamerica. It is located on the Road of the Dead between the Pyramid of the Moon and the Citadel in the shadow of the massive Cerro Gordo mountain and is part of a large temple complex.
The pyramid is a 5-tier structure with a flat top, on which a small temple once stood. The height of the pyramid is almost 64.5 meters, the length of the base sides is 211, 207, 217 and 209 meters, the total volume is 993 thousand cubic meters. The Pyramid of the Sun is made of cobblestone, clay and earth, lined with stone. It is likely that the orientation of the pyramid has some anthropogolic significance. It is oriented with a slope to the northwest towards the point of sunset on the horizon, when twice a year - August 12 and April 29 - the calendar year of the Teotihuacan people was determined.
At the northern end of the Road of the Dead is the Pyramid of the Moon - an almost exact copy of the Pyramid of the Sun, but reduced by a third. Its height is 42 m, the base is 150 by 130 m. But due to the features of the relief, the tops of the pyramids are located on the same level.
5 Xochicalco
Xochicalco is an ancient pre-Columbian settlement in the western Mexican state of Morelos, located 25 km south of the city of Cuernavaca and 85 km south of Mexico City.
Main ceremonial center and residential buildings ( most of which have not been excavated) are located on long terraces on the slopes of an artificially leveled hill. The settlement was first founded in 200 BC. e., but developed into an urban center only by the period 700 - 900 AD. e. Almost all surviving buildings were built during this period.
The settlement now contains the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, temples in the form of terraced pyramids, palaces, three ball fields, steam rooms, an unusual row of round altars and a cave with carved steps.
6 Cholula
Cholula is a city located in the Mexican state of Puebla. Cholula is home to the Toltec pyramid, also known as Tlachihualtepetl. This is the largest pyramid in terms of volume in Mexico, and in general in the world. The length of its base is 440 m, its height is 77 m.
The ancient pyramid is hidden under a layer of clay, making it look more like a natural mountain than a ancient place worship. On the top of this hill the Spaniards built the Church of the Blessed Virgin Consoler.
Most of the Cholula Pyramid was built from unbaked bricks. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, archaeologists excavated and restored one side of the pyramid, which is lined with stone. Moreover, there are often inserts made of well-processed granite blocks with ornaments applied to them. Archaeologists also discovered tunnels running through the pyramid in various planes. Some of them are open to visitors.
7 Monte Alban
Monte Alban is a large pre-Columbian settlement in southeastern Mexico, in the state of Oaxaca. Situated on a low mountain ridge running through the central Oaxaca Valley.
The foundation of Monte Albana dates back to approximately the 4th century BC. e. At the time of its heyday (200−700 AD), the city occupied an area of 40 square meters. km, and its population exceeded 20 thousand people. On the artificially leveled giant square at the top of the hill, step pyramids still stand today. On the slopes descending in terraces, the remains of palaces, steles with inscriptions, a 40 m wide stone staircase and other structures have been preserved. The walls of the buildings were decorated with mosaics, frescoes, and reliefs.
The main god of the local people was the rain god Cociho. was dedicated to him main pyramid city, crowning the top of the hill.
8 Palenque
Palenque is the largest ruin of an ancient Mayan city located in the northeastern Mexican state of Chiapas. More than a thousand buildings have been discovered here, only some of them have been studied and restored in detail.
The Spaniards named the city Palenque; in Mayan times it was called Lakam-ha - “Big Water”. Originating around 100 AD. e., the settlement reached its peak in the period from 630 to 740. After 900 Palenque was deserted. The surrounding area is known for the highest level of precipitation in Mexico, due to which the city gradually disappeared behind dense tropical thickets and fell into oblivion until 1746, when it was discovered by the Spaniards.
In the center of the settlement, on a ten-meter platform, rises a palace that served as the residence of local rulers. This is a majestic structure with an area of 104x80 m, consisting of galleries, stairs, intricate labyrinths underground passages and many rooms with exits to four courtyards.
To the southeast of the palace is the Palenque Triad, which includes the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Cross, and the Temple of the Foliated Cross. All these names are given to religious buildings, thanks to the motifs that prevail in the painting of their walls and altars.
Also in close proximity to the palace is the Temple of the Inscriptions. Exactly this high building complex, the height of its pyramid is 23 m, and to get to its top you need to overcome 69 steps.
9 Comalcalco
Comalcalco - former city Mayan civilization, located approximately 60 km northeast of the city of Villahermosa in the Mexican state of Tabasco.
Comalcalco is home to the westernmost of the Mayan temples. Due to the shortage of limestone, buildings in this city were constructed from baked bricks, which were held together with lime mortar from ground oyster shells.
The buildings mainly date from the Late Classical period, 700–900. n. e. Many bricks are decorated with images. The most famous buildings: the northern square, the Great Acropolis and the Eastern Acropolis pyramids.
10 Calakmul
Calakmul was a formerly powerful Mayan city, the capital of the Kanul kingdom. Located in the Mexican state of Campeche, deep in the jungles of the Peten Basin region. The heyday of Calakmul falls between 200 and 700 AD. e.
In 1931, Calakmul was discovered by the American Cyrus Lundell. Calakmul occupied an area of approximately 30 km² and consisted of more than 100 large buildings, and a total of about 5000 buildings. Among the structures, two pyramids dominate, which are usually called “Structure I” and “Structure II” with a height of 45 m. The largest pyramid has a side length of 140 m.
11 Etzna
Etzna - archaeological site Mayan culture in the northern Mexican state of Campeche. The city was already inhabited in 400 BC. BC, and was abandoned around 1500 AD. e. In the late classical period, Etzna was part of the state of Calakmul. The city was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century.
The classical period of Etzna's existence occurred, as elsewhere in Yucatan, in 600−900 AD. It was then that the most significant architectural monuments of this city were born. Among them - main temple, standing on a pyramidal base forty meters high.
The city stood on a swamp. The Indians did a great job of draining the area, building a complex and extensive system of canals and reservoirs.
12 Uxmal
Uxmal is a large Mayan city in the north-west of the Yucatan Peninsula, 68 km south of the city Merida.
Uxmal was inhabited in the 8th century BC. e., at the peak of power (about 800−900 AD) had about 25,000 inhabitants. It was during this period that most of the surviving monuments were built. But the prosperity did not last long. When, at the turn of the 10th-11th centuries, the Toltecs took control of the Yucatan Peninsula, construction in Uxmal ceased, and the city began to decline. And shortly before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, it was completely abandoned.
The Magician's Pyramid is the most tall monument(35 m) and the main attraction of the archaeological complex of Uxmal. It is also called the Dwarf's Pyramid. Both names come from the legend of a magical dwarf. Hatching from the egg, he became an adult in one day and built this pyramid in one night. In fact, archaeological excavations show that the Pyramid of the Magus was built in five stages of construction on top of previously built pyramids. Beginning in the 6th century, it regularly increased in height until the 10th century.
13 Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza - political and Cultural Center Maya in the northern Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Located 120 km east of the city of Merida.
The city of Chichen Itza was probably founded around 455. It can be conditionally divided into two groups. The first includes buildings dating from the 6th-7th centuries. n. e. and dating back to the Mayan period. The second group of buildings dates back to the Toltec period of the 10th-11th centuries. n. e.
The city was captured by the Toltecs in the 10th century. In the middle of the 11th century, Chichen Itza became the capital of the Toltec state. In 1178 it was defeated by the united army of three city-states - Mayapan, Uxmal and Itzmal. By the time of the Spanish conquest, Chichen Itza was a ruin.
El Castillo (aka the Pyramid of Kukulcan) was the main structure of the city. The pyramid with a square base has nine steps. Leading to the top are four staircases bordered by a balustrade, which begin on the ground floor in the form of a slightly raised snake's head and continue on their way like a snake's body to the upper floor. Each staircase consists of 91 steps, and if the number of steps is multiplied by the number of stairs, then the result is 364 steps and the 365th step at the top of the pyramid symbolizes the last day of the past year. At the top there is a temple, the entrance to which, decorated with columns in the form of snake bodies, is located on the north side.
East of El Castillo is another famous building Chichen Itza: Temple of the Warriors. It consists of four platforms, surrounded on three sides by round and square columns. The square columns are carved in the shape of Toltec warriors. During the restoration, some of the columns were restored and put in their original place. At the top of the Temple of Warriors there is a sculpture of Chaak-Mool in the shape of a reclining man.
The observatory is another famous attraction of Chichen Itza. The Spanish word El Caracol means "spiral staircase" (it is located inside). Through holes in the walls of the tower, Mayan astronomers observed the movements of Venus, the Sun, the Moon and other celestial bodies, and calculated the spring and autumn equinoxes and the summer solstice. The Mayan astronomical skills even helped predict solar eclipses.
Teotihuacan is an ancient city located 50 kilometers northeast of the capital of Mexico. The altitude here is 2228 meters above sea level, since Teotihuacan stands on the Mexican Highlands.
Teotihuacan was the largest city, a center of culture and various ceremonies for the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica. The largest Mexican pyramids are located here. Fans of traveling around Mexico should definitely check out this archaeological complex.
History of Teotihuacan
Although the city of Teotihuacan, perhaps the largest in Mesoamerica, is ahead of other Mayan ruins in monumentality, its mysteries have not yet been solved, and there is no clear opinion about its history.
To study Teotihuacan, only data obtained as a result of excavations were used; there are very few written documents; they can only characterize the period after the voyage to America of Columbus and the Spanish conquistadors.
Initially, scientists believed that the city was built by the Aztecs, but then it turned out that the Aztecs appeared here much later. Nevertheless, Europeans learned some legends about Teotihuacan from representatives of this people.
Teotihuacan - in other words, “the city where the gods are born”
Legends about the ancient city of Teotihuacan
There is an ancient legend according to which the sun and moon gods were created here. Two wanted the opportunity to create light, the first was powerful and arrogant, the second, on the contrary, was completely covered with sores and humiliated. Tecuxistecatl and Nanahuatzin had to throw themselves into the fire in order to become gods.
Covered in sores, Nanautsin sacrificed himself and threw himself into the fire, but his arrogant brother Tecusiztecatl did not have the courage, and he collapsed into the ashes. Therefore, Nanauatzin was reborn and shone with a bright light, becoming the god of the Sun, and the other, who chickened out, became the god of the Moon with a dim radiance in the sky. Thus the gods of the Sun and Moon were born, and the cycle of the universe began.
History of development
A thousand years BC, the city began to exist on the site of the ancient city. small settlement. Its inhabitants were engaged in agriculture and crafts. They grew corn, pumpkins and beans. They were engaged in weaving, making pottery, carving stone, and erecting buildings. They worshiped mainly the gods of fire and water.
3rd century BC - the settlement turns into a city. Young Teotihuacan is growing more and more.
Its entire territory is paved with gypsum slabs; buildings and religious structures are lined up around the main axis.
Another century later they built irrigation system. A whole network of canals was created, into which water came from nearby reservoirs. Already at this time, Teotihuacan was a city of temples, beauty, luxury and abundance. Builders, artists, and talented craftsmen worked on its creation.
One pyramid of the Sun was built over 30 years, 20 thousand workers were involved. In 250 AD, Teotihuacan was already completely built.
The city flourished in the 2nd-5th centuries AD, at which time the population of Teotihuacan was 200 thousand people. The city begins to dominate the rest of pre-Columbian Mexico. Teotihuacan became an empire, and its inhabitants began to settle in other cities.
In the 5th century AD, the ancient Mayan city of Tikal was filled with Teotihuacans who brought their culture there. In the 6th century, for unknown reasons, the city of Teotihuacan moves toward its decline, losing its influence and possessions. It is believed that it was later conquered and destroyed.
Mayan pyramids in Mexico
The city on the plan was located around an axis; it was a street that was nicknamed the Street of the Dead. Along it are the main temples and famous Mexican pyramids.
At one end of the Street of the Dead is the citadel. In its very center there is a temple of a particularly revered deity - Quetzalcoatl or the Feathered Serpent.
Two more pyramids - one larger, the other smaller.
The first is called the Pyramid of the Sun, the second is the Pyramid of the Moon, which is located at the other end of the Road of the Dead.
In the buildings of Teotihuacan, its architecture, mainly two elements were used - tablero and talud. The first is a rectangular panel, the second is a ledge. Such techniques can be traced in many structures of the archaeological complex.
The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest structure in the ancient city of Teotihuacan. It is also in third place among similar buildings in the world, after such egyptian pyramid Cheops and the Mexican pyramid in Cholulu.
Initially, the height of the pyramid was 71 meters, now it is 64.5. The perimeter of the base is 900 meters. The Pyramid of the Sun is located along the Road of the Dead. The Pyramid of the Sun received its name, as well as the legend of its origin, from the Aztecs.
The Pyramid of the Sun has two levels; on the second there was once an altar; it is not known for certain which deity was worshiped here. A trip to the temples is not complete without climbing this pyramid.
The height of the Pyramid of the Moon ranges from 42 to 46 meters. It is located on a small earthen mound, so it is approximately at the same level as the Pyramid of the Sun. Also, the Pyramid of the Moon is the extreme northern point of the road or street of the Dead. Climbing to the very top, you can see the axis of Teotihuacan and how clearly straight lines are visible in the layout of the city.
Road of the Dead
In the Indian language it is called Maccaotli Nahuatl. Its width is 40 meters, and its length is approximately 2300 meters. Extreme northern point The road is crowned by the Pyramid of the Moon, and along the road there are majestic temples and all other Mayan ruins.
The name street (or road) of the Dead appeared thanks to the Aztecs. When they saw the mounds, the first thing they thought was that these were burial mounds, and not the city of Teotihuacan with its pyramids and temples.
When planning a trip to Teotihuacan, it is recommended to climb the pyramids where ancient priests once stood; in addition, magnificent views open from here. It is best to climb in the morning, here you can watch the sunrise before the flow of tourists pours into the city.
When it comes to pyramids, most people immediately think of Egypt. But archaeologists have found many similar structures in America, or more precisely in Mexico. The Mexican pyramids, like the pyramids in Egypt, were built several thousand years ago and are also shrouded in an unsolved centuries-old mystery. An ordinary pyramid in Egypt is a huge structure made of stones, inside which is the tomb of the pharaoh. Internal passages lead to this most important part of the pyramid. The Mexican pyramid is a huge pedestal made of earth, on top of which there is a temple. You can reach the top via a long staircase. Unlike Egyptian pyramids, Mexican pyramids are not tombs, with a few exceptions.
Teotihuacan
This is one of the most famous and ancient cities in Mexico. Teotihuacan located northeast of the country's capital Mexico City, about 50 kilometers from it. Until now, this ancient city remains a mystery to archaeologists and anthropologists. The last builders left Teotihuacan several hundred years before the first Aztecs arrived here. The word "Teotihuacan" in the Nahuatl language means "city of the gods" or "city where the gods lived." There is an opinion that the name of the city was given by the Aztecs who arrived here.
As one National Geographic contributor said, Teotihuacan was the very first real city in the entire Western Hemisphere. This city was founded somewhere at the beginning of our era or perhaps a little earlier. It existed for approximately 700 years and as a result has become a true legend today. The city's heyday occurred around the 6th century AD. e. At that time, its estimated population was about 200 thousand people.
In the very center of Teotihuacan there is a huge pyramid of the sun. It consists of five terraces, and its base measures 220x225 meters. Currently, the height of the pyramid is 63 meters. A long staircase with more than 240 steps leads to the top of the pyramid. 
Not far from the city is the Pyramid of the Moon, which is about 40 meters high. In ancient times, both pyramids were temples.
Much more has been known about these pyramids in the last few decades. But at the same time, practically nothing is known about the Teotihuacans themselves, the way they organized society and what ultimately led to the decline of the huge city.
Other pyramids of Mexico
In the very center of Mexico's capital is the most important Aztec temple. There are no pyramids visible here, but if you look closely, you can see the remains of ancient pyramids that served as a pedestal for the main temple. Archaeologists discovered two altars at this site, where sacrifices were once performed.
Chichen Itza- This is one of the most visited pyramids by tourists in all of Mexico. This is the most easily accessible place among the ruins of the ancient Mayan settlements, since Chichen Itza is located on the Yucatan Peninsula near the city of Merida. Despite the fact that all these buildings are located in the territory of the Mayan tribe, the structure of their structure suggests that the Toltecs once had a strong influence here. There are also those that indicate the high level of knowledge of builders in the field of astronomy and mathematics.
In the city of Palenque in the Mexican state of Chiapas, tourists can look at a large complex of massive Mayan structures. Among large quantity buildings and pyramids - Temple of the Inscriptions and Palace. As stated in the book “3 thousand years of Mayan civilization,” the Temple of the Inscriptions is “one of the most famous temples in all of Mesoamerica, which, in addition to the pedestal, also has a tomb.” 
Under the base of the temple there is a staircase along which you can reach the greatest tomb of the entire Mayan civilization. The tomb was built for Pakal, the ruler of the Mayan Empire, or Uoxok Aau, who lived in the 7th century.
These pyramids are just a small part of all the pyramids in Mexico. Many pyramids and their remains can also be found in many other areas of the country. In neighboring Honduras and Guatemala, there are also huge pyramids built from an unknown material, which was made by the ancient ancestors of the Mexicans using a special technology, because they obviously could not go and buy building mixtures. Based on the method of erecting these structures, we can conclude that the ancient inhabitants of Mesoamerica chose the most elevated places for their construction and held services there.
In ancient times, Mexico was inhabited by the ancestors of the Nahua Indian tribes, who belonged to the Uto-Aztecan group. We know little about them: they worshiped gods and sang the praises of jaguars. It was they who created the culture in the 3rd millennium BC, the legacy of which became famous city Teotihuacan.
History and legend of Teotihuacan
When the Aztecs came to these lands, on the site of Teotihuacan there were only thickets and two huge pyramids. They learned from the local Nahua Indians that it was in this place that the Sun and Moon were born.
According to legend, there used to be eternal darkness in the world. To solve this problem, the gods gathered for a council in this place. The first of those who wanted to illuminate the world was Tecusiztecatl. Others abstained from this right. Nanahuatzin was chosen as the second god. The gods lit a fire into which the chosen ones had to enter. Tecusiztecatl was afraid of the hot fire, but the cool-headed Nanahuatzin did it. After reflection, Tecusiztecatl was able to overcome everything and completed the path of god. Nanahuatzin was reborn as the Sun, and Tecusiztecatl as the Moon. In honor of this event, people built pyramid temples on this site.
From the language of the Nahua people, Teotihuacan is translated as “place of transformation of the gods.” Research says that the city was founded around the 1st century AD, and by the fifth century it had flourished and become the largest city in America. The size of this ancient city of the American continent before the coming of Columbus can be surprising - with an area of 20 square kilometers, it contained a population of 200 thousand inhabitants.
Pyramids and other buildings of Teotihuacan
Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan
As a memory from this era, many buildings have come to us, scattered over a vast territory. So in the center of the city there are two intersecting streets oriented to the cardinal points. Teotihuacan's famous Road of the Dead stretches in a north-south direction. At its northern end there is a temple-pyramid of the Moon, consisting of five tiers with a flat top. The base of the pyramid is 150 by 130 meters, height is 42 meters.
Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan
To the east of the street is the main attraction - the Sun Temple. Its base is already 240 by 255 meters, and the total height reaches 72 meters. The sanctuary, located in former times at the top of the temple, has not reached us. The Pyramid of the Sun is the third tallest pyramid in the world. The Temple of the Sun is very significant for Mexico and is depicted on many objects.
Other structures
Along the street itself there are many other less significant buildings. Here is the temple of the rain god Tlaloc, who was especially worshiped local residents, Temple of Agriculture, especially Ciutadella.
The Ciutadella is a huge platform 400 meters long. On one side there is a staircase leading up to it, and in the general plan it is adjacent to four smaller platforms, oriented according to the cardinal directions, on each of which there are four pyramids. On central square there is the Temple of Quetzalcoatl - a six-tiered pyramid decorated with snake heads, which are a symbol of Quetzalcoatl or the Feathered Serpent.
feathered serpent
To the west of the Ciutadella is the Great Complex - a square with platforms and buildings. Researchers have suggested that the Ciutadella could serve as the central palace of the ruler, and the Great Complex as a market.
The Street of the Dead is almost perfectly crossed by other avenues, dividing the city into even blocks lined with buildings and palaces. Many frescoes were found here, depicting in addition to divine characters and ordinary warriors. Other finds also strengthen the version of the important influence of warriors on the life of the city and their relationship to the nobility.
Adjacent to the rich district of palaces is a district of merchants and artisans. Teotihuacan was a large shopping center. More than 600 workshops have been found here, producing everything imaginable for the time. Of course, not the entire city was classified as craftsmen and warriors; the bulk of it was represented by ordinary farmers.
The death of the city dates back to 450-650 AD. It is assumed that he died quickly, perhaps due to the Toltec invasion. After this conquest, the city plunges into complete oblivion, and only the huge pyramids of the Teotihuacan temple ensemble forever preserve the secret of the place where the Sun and Moon originated.