Teotihuacan Pyramid of the Sun

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Pyramid of the Sun

by Dorothy and Bill Bell

Dorothy and Bill up the

Pyramid of the Sun

in September 2013

The Pyramid of the Sun - photographed from the North

Likely used as a religious and sacrificial center, the Pyramid of the Sun is the largest structure on the site and third largest pyramid in the world after Cholula near Puebla Mexico and Cheops in Egypt. When the site was rediscovered early in the 20^th century, the pyramids appeared as hills of stone rubble with trees and plants growing up from the rocks. The temple atop the Pyramid of the Sun had long vanished from the towering structure.

The Pyramid of the Sun -

photographed from the South

Building of the great pyramid commenced around 100 AD over a cave shaped like a four-leaf clover. The cave was sacred to Mesoamerican cultures and archeologists believe that this particular cave was considered the womb of the universe or the place the Gods created the world. The pyramid of the Sun was like built over the cave to signify the importance of the spot and potentially determined the alignment of the city.

Thousands of Visitors a month climb the 248 steps up the Pyramid

Archeological work continues -

trying to uncover the

mysteries of the pyramid

The cave was the scene of fire and water rituals. Recent finds underneath the pyramid include three human figurines, obsidian, pottery and a beautiful green serpentine mask. These are believed to be an offering to mark the start of construction.

Built between 100 and 200 AD, the structure was originally 215 by 215 m (705 x705 feet) at the base, and about 63 m (206 feet) high. The Pyramid was rebuilt fifty to seventy five years later and enlarged to a final 225 m (738 feet) square and 75 meters (246 feet) high to become one of the largest buildings created in the Pre-Columbian New World. The temple that once crowned the Pyramid was completed in 300 AD.

The Pyramid of the Sun -

with the Pyramid of the Moon

in the background

The pyramid was built with 4 stepped platforms made with stone blocks plastered with lime plaster and painted red and other brilliant colors with murals and motifs. (When the pyramid was reconstructed early in the 20^th century is was mistakenly given 5 platforms.)

The Pyramid of the Sun -

given an extra platform by mistake

248 steps of very uneven size lead you up from one patio to another. Often the step risers are over 30 centimeters (12 inches) in height and the tread or step size also varies in width making the climb up the pyramid a challenging exercise.

Looking down the steps to the bottom.

Its much easier going down but you still have to watch your step

If you decide to climb the Pyramid of the Sun, try to avoid the heat of the noon day sun. The 248 stairs are punctuated with natural rest stops at each platform. Take a small break and catch your breath before you tackle the next staircase. Remember to take a small bottle of water, a camera and if you are connected, a cell phone. “Hey mom. Guess where I am” is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Phones, cameras and BIG smiles

The view from the top is magnificent; a commanding view from the Pyramid of the Moon down the Avenue of the dead and south past the Citadel and Pyramid of Feathered Serpent Pyramid.