We had a great time today seeing ancients parts of this amazing world. In fact we were at times stunned.
From Wikipedia
Teotihuacan was a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican city located in a sub valley of the Valley of Mexico, located in the State of Mexico 30 miles (48 km) northeast of modern-day Mexico City, known today as the site of many of the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican pyramids built in the pre-Columbian Americas. Apart from the pyramids, Teotihuacan is also anthropologically significant for its complex, multi-family residential compounds; the Avenue of the Dead; and the small portion of its vibrant murals that have been exceptionally well-preserved. Additionally, Teotihuacan exported fine obsidian tools that garnered high prestige and widespread utilization throughout Mesoamerica.
The city is thought to have been established around 100 BC, with major monuments continuously under construction until about AD 250. The city may have lasted until sometime between the 7th and 8th centuries AD, but its major monuments were sacked and systematically burned around 550 AD. At its zenith, perhaps in the first half of the 1st millennium AD, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas, with a population estimated at 125,000 or more, making it at minimum the sixth largest city in the world during its epoch. Teotihuacan began as a new religious center in the Mexican Highland around the first century AD. This city came to be the largest and most populated center in the New World. Teotihuacan was even home to multi-floor apartment compounds built to accommodate this large population.
Tlatelolco – built in the 1500’s. The ruins in the front are what is left of an Aztec temple. The Spanish demolished the temple and built this church on top of the temple foundation. They did this to all temples they found.The hills around Mexico City are filled with homes such as these. Since there is no room in the city for them they live in the hills for at least 5 years until a space can be made for them. Our tour guide told us the population is over 26 million.We explored a obsidian (volcanic glass) carving facility. Beautiful carvings that shine different colors in the sun.We bouthg the sun god, similar to this. That’s not the price.Jocelyn and a new friend Bean. He looks just like her dog Yaki at home.The cactus that tequila is made from. We sampled a few shots. In fact from this cactus paper, sewing thread, and needles are made. Very resourceful.A really cool cactus.I have posted several pictures explaining the ancient city of Teotihuacan and the pyramids. A worthwhile read.Multiple housing areas.An unrestored original mural a few thousand years old.Another beautiful mural.Beautiful art.
Pyramid of the Moon 45 meters.Pyramid of the Sun 65 meters.The avenue of the dead.So far 80 tombs have been found in the Pyramid of the Moon on the left.The Spanish thought these pyramids were rocky hills and ignored them. If they knew what they where they would have been destroyed.
Where’s Waldo?
The structures on the sides were temples.A precarious walk, especially down.
A puma.
Quite a steep lineup.260 steps, one for each god.La Villa – La Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe. Prayer requests are made with these candles.According to our tour guide this site is the second most visited religious site in the world behind St. Peters Square in Rome. There are several churches, a convent, cemetery, and a large square.Mexico City was built on a large lake bed. The church on the left is sinking.We walked inside uphill to the back and right side of this church.
The basilica built in the 70’s.An original painting of Santa Maria de Guadalupe from 1531. Heavily guarded.
2 thoughts on “Exploring the ancient city of Teotihuacan”
So far Mexico has been great except for some of the ups and downs of continuous hills. They can be very difficult. I still say I would rather climb all day then go up and down all day. Love you. Thanks. We did charge on citi about $300 for stuff at the pyramids.
These pictures are a lovely tribute to the fortitude of the Mexican people, ancient civilizations, and the arts. I know some of the history, and really appreciate these pictures with you sharing your impressions. I may never see these wonderful sights in person, but my spirit is in the wind. Enjoy and keep sharing what you are seeing! Love always, andee momster
So far Mexico has been great except for some of the ups and downs of continuous hills. They can be very difficult. I still say I would rather climb all day then go up and down all day. Love you. Thanks. We did charge on citi about $300 for stuff at the pyramids.
These pictures are a lovely tribute to the fortitude of the Mexican people, ancient civilizations, and the arts. I know some of the history, and really appreciate these pictures with you sharing your impressions. I may never see these wonderful sights in person, but my spirit is in the wind. Enjoy and keep sharing what you are seeing! Love always, andee momster