ARCHAEOLOGY

 

Teotihuacan is one of Mexico?s best archaeological sites. It has numerous ruins, including about 600 pyramids, important palaces and residential areas with splendid murals. Among the most notable constructions are:

 

Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead). This main avenue cuts through the center of the archaeological site. It is 4 km (2.5 mi) long and 40 meters (132 feet) wide, stretching from the Ciudadela (Citadel) to the Plaza de la Luna (Plaza of the Moon). At the avenue?s halfway point you?ll see the Conjunto Plaza Oeste and a residential area, which probably was inhabited by priests in the pre-Hispanic era.

 

La Ciudadela (The Citadel).  Located on the site?s southern end. This 400-meter rectangular construction was built around 200 B.C.  At this place you?ll see important religious structures, such as the Templo de Quetzalcoatl (Temple of the Plumed Serpent), as well as the site?s main worshipping grounds and a residential area, which researchers believe was occupied by the city?s ruling class.

 

Templo de Quetzalcoatl (Temple of the Plumed Serpent). Located in the Ciudadela (Citadel). This edifice, built in honor of Quetzalcoatl, is one of the site?s most important structures. The façade features elaborate carvings of serpent heads, aquatic motifs of conches and seashells, representations of rain god Tlaloc and a plumed serpent.

 

Piramide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun). Located in the center of the archaeological zone. This monument was constructed between A.D. 1 ? 150 on top of a natural cave. It is 64 meters (211 feet) high and 215 meters (709 feet) wide, making it one of Mesoamerica?s largest pyramids.

 

Plaza y Piramide de la Luna (Plaza and Pyramid of the Moon). Located north of the Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead). Built between A.D. 1 ? 150, the pyramid is 40 meters (132 feet) high and has an 1800-sq. meter (2,160-sq. yard) base. This four-sided pyramid has a huge temple and a staircase that leads to a platform and continues on to the top of the structure. In front of the imposing edifice you?ll see nine smaller pyramids surrounding the plaza.

 

Palacio de Quetzalpapalotl (Palace of Quetzalpapalotl). Located southwest of the Plaza de la Luna (Plaza of the Moon). It is believed that the high priest lived in this palace. Inside you?ll see the remains of bas-reliefs and murals.

 

Patio de los Jaguares (Patio of the Jaguars). Located southwest of the Plaza de la Luna (Plaza of the Moon), next to the Palacio de Quetzalcoatl (Palace of Quetzalcoatl). This structure was built between 450 ? 650 B.C. The patio is surrounded by rooms that have jaguar figures painted on the walls. You also see ornamentation such as conches, seashells and feathers. Archaeologists believe the scenes depict rituals to bring rain.