Map of Teotihuacan
Mexico facts & history in brief
The pyramids of San Juan de Teotihuacán are perhaps
the most famous ruins in Mexico.
They are about 35 miles north-east of Mexico City and
at least half a day is required for a visit.
Teotihuacán actually is the remains of an ancient Maya
city, containing well-preserved monumental architecture
from about 1st Century. For some 600 years Teotihuacán
dominated Central Mexico economically and perhaps politically.
At its height it covered about 23 km2. (9 square miles)
with a regular grid of streets, alleys, and apartment-like
residential complexes, with a population of about 300,000.
Here was located the most extensive and sumptuous ceremonial
centre of central Mexico.
The focal point of the ensemble is the largest and earliest
structure, the Sun Pyramid, built up of solid layers
over a natural cave and richly adorned with decorated
facades
Smaller structures, built, like the large pyramids,
on platforms, and usually screened by right-angled colonnades,
have ornately carved and painted interior spaces.
The layout seems to have been determined by a solar
ritual, for the face of the central pyramid is aligned
with the setting midsummer sun and all the other important
buildings are related to it axially.
Teotihuacan was the earliest true city in Mesoamerica
(Mexico and northern Central America) and was probably
built by the Toltecs, who later merged with the Mayans.
The area was deserted and considered cursed when the
Aztecs first arrived in the Valley of Mexico.
No one knows for certain why the original inhabitants
left.
Dominating the site if the huge Pyramid of the Sun,
rising 65.5 metres (215 feet) high from a base of 250m2
(750 sq. feet).
The monument is, actually, several pyramids one built
over the other.
The Toltecs marked time in 52-year cycles, and, at the
conclusion of each, apparently, a new pyramid was built.
It is supposed that originally a temple to the god of
the sun stood on the summit.
A short distance away stands the Pyramid of the Moon.
It is not quite as large and remains partially covered
with grass and dirt.
Between these monuments runs what is called the Avenue
of the Dead, lined with the remains of lesser temples
and shrines.
By about 700, the Maya of the Classic Period reached
their peak in population and prosperity.
Throughout the Classic Period, populations grew, and
new cities were founded.
Toward the end of the period, as competition for land
and other resources increased, rival cities began to
fight each other.
Sometimes a growing city would break away from a larger
city's control.
In other cases, one city conquered another and captured
its ruler.
Defeated rulers and other important prisoners of war
were sacrificed in religious ceremonies, and the conquered
city probably paid something to the victor.
Throughout the area of Teotihuacan are representations
of the Plumed Serpent, Quetzalcoatl.
When Montezuma II became emperor in 1502, the Aztec
empire was at the height of its power.
In 1519, the Spanish conquistador, Hernando Cortés landed
on the east coast of Mexico and marched inland to the
Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan (Today's Mexico City).
He and his troops were joined by many Indians who had
been conquered by the Aztec and resented their heavy
taxes.
Montezuma II did not oppose the advancing Spaniards,
possibly because he thought Cortés represented the god
Quetzalcoatl.
According to Aztec legend Quetzalcoatl had sailed across
the sea and would return someday.
Cortés entered Tenochtitlan and made Montezuma a prisoner.
In 1520, the Aztec rebelled and drove the Spaniards
from the city.
Montezuma died from wounds received in the fighting.
Cortés reorganised his army and began a bloody attack
on Tenochtitlan in May 1521.
Forcing the Aztec to surrender.
Hui Chin and I was very pleased that we have visited
Mexico, especially Mexico City.
There was a lot of work was going on road and services
around town and around our hotel.
Mexico city wasn't the first one, where we have seen
this either.
Much the same as usual, we went for a city sightseeing
tour.
During our sightseeing tour we were taken to the 'Our
Lady of Guadalupe' Basilicas.
Aaaawesome.
Next day we returned for another day to participate
in a couple of masses, that we walked in during our
explorations.
There are two main Basilicas and many churches and chapels
in the complex. You really need most of a day to see
everything around here.
We also went to see the Pyramids at Teotihuacan. (The
Pyramids of San Juan de Teotihuacán).
The place is about 30-35 kilometres from Mexico City
and the drive there was very interesting and entertaining.
We stopped at an 'artisans collective souvenir shop',
with interesting demonstrations, stories and souvenirs>
A large number of developments going on outside the
city to house the expanding population.
We were told an interesting story about the hills along
the our road.
Large numbers of rural people come to Mexico City all
the time attracted by jobs and the fast pace of city
life.
These poor people build themselves a shack on the side
of the hills, which are government property, adding
to it as time goes by.
Once they spent five years on the property, it becomes
theirs, by Mexican law.
Another exciting day, although an incident at our lunch
break did spoiled it for us some.
The lunch break was part of the tour, but we had to
pay for it individually.
Hui Chin and I were running low on cash and we did ask
the restaurateur before we sat down,if they accept Visa,
because Visa isn't very popular, by our experience in
Latin America.
Yes, he told us.
When it came to pay, of course, they did not accept
Visas or any other credit cards from anybody, we had
to borrow the price of our meals, from another couple
from our hotel.
Very embarrassing.
I did complain too.
Quiet strongly too.
Wasn't really a fair play.
It wasn't cricket, Mate, If you happen to read this.
We happened to forget the name of the Restaurant.
I would like to name them, to warn others.
I would appreciate if someone could let me know.
(Their excuse was, that business was very slow, and
they can't afford the commissions on the credit cards).
Returning to our Mexican experiences, did anybody noticed
the Mexicans liking for green.
Thousands of green Volkswagen Beetle Taxis running around
the city.
Buses, some bridges are the same green colour.
We spent a couple of days exploring the city on foot.
There was a free, very noisy and colourful concert going
on the Plaza front of the Cathedral, one day when we
visited.
We returned the next day for another look.
We are looking forward to visit Mexico again soon.
You can click on
these photos for an enlargement.
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