History of Teotihuacan: a quick summary to help you understand its past before you visit it

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If you are thinking about visiting Mexico, we recommend you to learn about the history of Teotihuacan. The also called “city of the gods” was one of the largest metropolis in the country, and it’s key to understanding the history of the country.

The itinerary of any traveler should include a tour to the pyramids of Teotihuacan, which are located just an hour from Mexico City in the state with which they share their name.

Diving into one of the more than 200 Mexico Mayan ruins, such as the famous Chichen Itza temple ruins, is undoubtedly one of the best ways to learn about the culture and history of a country marked by this civilization. And now get “into” the time machine because we are going to become historians through this post. 🚀

The rise of the metropolis

From 100 BCE to 650 AD the city of Teotihuacan took shape as one of the great metropolises of the area. Its privileged location and its large size (over an area of 20 square kilometers) made it possible for this city to house more than 150,000 citizens.

Innovations in urban design

Obviously Teotihuacán stands out for its urban structure. The city was organized through a perfectly structured system of roadways. In addition, it also had an innovative drainage system, the Teotihuacan people were very clever and organized. 💦

Historians have also evidenced the existence of residential complexes, and to this day many of these areas are still preserved in good conditions.

The Causeway of the Dead

We cannot speak of the archaeological zone and the history of Teotihuacan without talking about the Causeway of the Dead, which formed the central axis of the city. It is estimated that this “street” extended along 5 kilometers, and that it had a width of 40 meters.

Along this route you will find the pyramids of the city, and it is said that the mounds that were located along this road are where the Teotihuacans were buried. That’s the reason for the name of this tenebrous roadway. 💀

The famous Pyramids of Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan is one of Mexico’s greatest attractions. Historians consider this “city of the gods” to be one of the key architectural references at the time of the construction of the pyramids.

The pyramids of Teotihuacan were built through an innovative technique. To reach the top they alternated the use of platforms on the walls. That is to say, on an inclined wall the stones were placed on different platforms. In this way the construction process was accelerated and many “construction accidents” were avoided.

Pyramid of the Sun

At 65 meters high The Pyramid of the Sun ☀️ is claimed to be the largest archaeological building in the city. Although there is no clear evidence as to when it was built (because of a lack of historical evidence), it is approximated to have been built around 200 BCE.

Its centralized location suggests that it was a key element in the city. Despite the lack of evidence, historians believe that the pyramid represented the force of civilization and the fertility of the village.

Pyramid of the Moon

The Pyramid of the Moon 🌙 is the “little sister” of the Pyramid of the Sun. At 43 meters high this pyramid is directly associated with the goddess of water, Chalchiuhticule. At its summit rituals and offerings were performed to honor her.

It is said that its symbolic charge was even more powerful in comparison to the Pyramid of the Sun. Since it was conceived as a sacred center and not so much as a representative construction. In addition, this pyramid marked the boundary with the Causeway of the Dead, so it had a greater symbolism.

Why should you visit Teotihuacan?

Teotihuacan is one of the best preserved archeological areas in Mexico. For researchers, it is one of the clearest (and most visual) references of this culture.

Its excellent preservation and innovative urban structure have earned it recognition as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Teotihuacan joined this list in December 1987.

“The city of the gods” is one of the best representations of the creative work of the Teotihuacan people. It’s a key cultural and historical center of Mexico and tells the story of its citizens. Its buildings, preserved in perfect conditions, will allow you to “travel” to 500 AD and feel part of this great metropolis.

Are you ready to experience the history of Teotihuacan live?, how much do you think you have learned about Teotihuacan?… Hopefully, reading this post has made you feel like a real historian, and will make you want to take the leap into action. ✈️