Teotihuacan
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Photo
by Nadine Markova |
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on the image for larger version |
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The archaeological zone of Teotihuacan was inhabited for nearly 2000
years and existed longside the Mesoamerican cities of Cholula and Monte
Albán. It is one of the country’s major tourist attractions
and was formerly one of the largest and most complex metropolises in prehispanic
Mexico, originating during the first century A.D., reaching its peak between
the 3rd and 4th centuries, and subsequently declining until it was eventually
abandoned.
According to the Nahua Indians, Teotihuacan was the original
site of birth of the fifth sun, the beginning of a new era for the Aztecs.
However, because the city had already been abandoned when the Aztecs arrived
in the region, all signs of previous existence were attributed to the
gods. Legend also has it that when the gods gathered to distribute their
functions, the god that dared to jump into the mystic fire would be the
sun. After the first god jumped into the fire, a second, jealous god also
threw himself into the flames. As a punishment, the other gods threw a
rabbit at his side to hide his light, which created the moon and began
the constant struggle between day and night.
The site’s main structures include the Pyramid of
the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. The archaeological
site is located 30 miles northeast of Mexico City.
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Photo
by Nadine Markova |
| Click
on the image for larger version |
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Aside from the archaeological city, the village of Teotihuacan
is small and quaint with semi-paved roads. In addition to the archaeological
monuments in Acolman, near Teotihuacán, other buildings worth visiting
include the 16th century Augustinian convent and the Tepexpan Museum of
Pre-History. Visitors interested in camping can head to the Teotihuacán
Trailer Park located in San Juan Teotihuacán, three km away from
the Pyramid of the Sun.
Shopping is available within the archaeological zone.
Shops offer a variety of souvenirs and reproductions of archaeological
artifacts found in the area. The city is also known for its temazcal –
a steam bath with prehispanic roots – that today serves as a healing
spa. The ritual is performed by renowned local healers and has attracted
several New Age groups to the area that offer workshops, exercises and
conferences.
Teotihuacan is a city of ancient gods, deep-rooted traditions
and proven Aztec ancestry. It is an ideal destination for travelers interested
in the Aztec culture and its impact on today’s Mexican culture and
society. |
