Mexico City 5 - Teotihuacán

Question

This is the 5th set of photos from my 3 months in Mexico last spring. This features a day trip to Teotihuacán, the anciend sacred site about 30 miles NE of the city.

Teotihuacán means "place where gods were born." The Aztecs believed that the gods created the universe here. Constructed around 300 AD, huge pyramids are carefully laid out on geometric and symbolic principles. Its most monumental structures are the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Pyramid of the Sun (the third-largest pyramid in the world) and the Pyramid of the Moon.

By 500 AD, Teotihuacán's pyramids and palaces covered 12 square miles and the city was larger in size and population than Rome. Teotihuacán's influence was felt as far south as the Yucatán and Guatemala. By 700 AD, the site was abandoned, possibly due to overpopulation and depletion of natural resources in the arid countryside.

On the way, we stopped at a local crafts store. This shot was taken just outside.

Important local products could be sampled inside

The Temples of the Sun and Moon are imposing even at a distance.

Our little group include a Mexican father with his two kids, a Philippine gentleman, and Karen and I. The Mexican family was great, they were happy to chat with me all day.

Quetzalcoatl, Tlaloc, and other deities at the pyramid of the Feathered Serpent

Pyramid of the Moon (as seen from the Pyramid of the Sun)

The main thoroughfare through Teotihuacán - la Calzada de los Muertos, runs two miles roughly north to south.

Beautiful polychrome images remain in protected areas inside.

• Gracias. - Jasmine101 Feb 11, 2012

Answer 1

Thanks Jeremias cool photos. I just remember the climb up the sun pyramid being very steep and not really being able to capture the size/ height of it in my photos. Quite a large city they had going on there.

• Wow, that's quite a trip from NZ! I'm glad to know you've been there. - Jeremias Feb 12, 2012

Answer 2

Jeremias,

These are fantastic photos. Thanks for sharing.

Frank.

• Good to know you enjoyed them! - Jeremias Feb 12, 2012

Answer 3

That is wonderful mate , the photos are a treat , I was there 41 years ago and climbed to

the top with my 5 year old son he still remembers it still as a highlight of a world trip.

I notice that there are not people climbing the large Pyramid ,I hope that is now

forbidden because it causes so much damage to ancient monuments like this one.

• No, they still allow one to walk up and down. The Temple of the Moon is the steeper. I agree, the wear on these structures must be harmful. - Jeremias Feb 12, 2012
• I doubt that I could or would climb it today , and yes it was the Temple of the moon , i have photos of us near to the top , we had an awesome time in México. - ray76 Feb 12, 2012

Answer 4

The photos are wonderful, thank you for sharing them with us.

• I'm really glad you enjoyed them! - Jeremias Feb 12, 2012

Answer 5

Estoy especialmente disfrutando de las estructuras de piedra y dibujos. Gracias por compartir tu viaje, Jeremías!

• Imprisionante, de veras - Jeremias Feb 12, 2012

Answer 6

This is great - you've really whetted my appetite for travel. Nice photos

• :) - Jeremias Feb 12, 2012

Answer 7

Nice photos... You really make me want to go to Mexico.....:D

• debrias ir!! - Jeremias Feb 12, 2012

Answer 8

Thanks for sharing your moments with us Jeremias!

• No hay de que Ianta - Jeremias Feb 12, 2012