Taking
another virtual trip via Google Maps, this week I visit the archeological site
of Teotihuacan in Mexico. This city was built during the pre-Columbian era and
was the home of many central Mexican deities. The site features numerous
pyramidal structures, which include the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of
the Moon. These pyramids were the first buildings built on the site.
Ray Alex. Teotihuacan.
http://reinep.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/deliberate-sealed-tunnel-under-sun-pyramid-on-teotihuacan-found/.
Starting
at the south end of Teotihuacan, I followed the city’s principle road, the
Avenue of the Dead, towards the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. As I “walked”
up the long road, I took in the green landscape that juxtaposed the
monochromatic ruins. The use of massive pyramids in Teotihuacan mimics the mountainous
landscape in the background and dominates the valley. As I approached the
Pyramid of the Sun, the enormous size of the structure was overwhelming. Similar
to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the size of the structure, materials used, and
manpower required to build the Pyramid of the Sun could signified the
unification of the citizens and the power of the authority figures to pull off
such a structure. On the other hand, as I approached the Pyramid of the Moon, I
notice that the structure was significantly smaller than the Pyramid of the
Sun. Both buildings still used the same materials and therefore the Pyramid of
the Moon would require just as much effort to build. The placement of this
pyramid was in direct view even from far away. The symmetry and centrality of
the building in accordance to the principle road shows the importance of the
structure and its possible ceremonial/processional use.
Pyramid of the Moon. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=926498
The Great
Pyramids in Giza were used to house the remains of the Pharaohs and their
treasures, which made me wonder what the use of the Pyramids of the Sun and the
Moon were. I discovered that the pyramids were built on top of caves, which in Ancient
times, represented a passageway to the underworld. Although many archeologists
are unsure as to which deity these pyramids pay homage to, scientists believed
that celestial energy radiated on top of these pyramids. Therefore, people were
able to climb to the top of these pyramids and utilize the energy throughout
the year. Moreover, through this pilgrimage, I was able to experience the relationship
of the architecture with the people, earth, and the divine.
Work Cited
Sacred Places - The Pyramid Sun at Teotihuacan. http://science.jrank.org/pages/11192/Sacred-Places-Pyramid-Sun-at-Teotihuac-n.html.
Teotihuacan. http://sacredsites.com/americas/mesico/teotihuacan.html.
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