Friday, October 3, 2014

Pyramid of the Sun Adventure



The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest building in Teotihuacan and one of the largest in Mesoamerica. Found along the Avenue of the Dead, in between the Pyramid of the Moon and the Ciudadela, and in the shadow of the massive mountain Cerro Gordo, the pyramid is part of a large complex in the heart of the city.





 This is just outside the entrance, the tiendas were just opening up shop, the vendors were not fully ready so we entered well. 


History[edit]

MW-Teotihuacan9.jpg
Ciudadela - Blick zur Sonnenpyramide.jpg
The name Pyramid of the Sun comes from the Aztecs, who visited the city of Teotihuacan centuries after it was abandoned; the name given to the pyramid by the Teotihuacanos is unknown. It was constructed in two phases. The first construction stage, around 100 A.D., brought the pyramid to nearly the size it is today. The second round of construction resulted in its completed size of 738 feet (224.942 meters) across and 246 feet (75 meters) high, making it the third largest pyramid in the world,[1] but being much shorter than the Great Pyramid of Giza (146 metres). The second phase also saw the construction of an altar atop of the pyramid, which has not survived into modern times. The Adosada platform was added to the pyramid in the early third century, at around the same time that the Ciudadela and Temple of the Feathered Serpent, Teotihuacan Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent were constructed.
Over the structure the ancient Teotihuacanos finished their pyramid with lime plaster imported from surrounding areas, on which they painted brilliantly colored murals. While the pyramid has endured for centuries, the paint and plaster have not and are no longer visible. Jaguar heads and paws, stars, and snake rattles are among the few images associated with the pyramids.
It is thought that the pyramid venerated a deity within Teotihuacan society, however, little evidence exists to support this theory. The destruction of the temple on top of the pyramid, by both deliberate and natural forces prior to the archaeological study of the site, has so far prevented identification of the pyramid with any particular deity.

Approuching the site the perspective wasn't  accurate, as we drew closer to it and all the other structures began to show their true forms.  The sun was shining, it was early and not many people had come yet. Just inside the gate the stairs leading down into the avenue of the "muertas" was a challenge, there was more to come.


The signs explaining the history in English and in the Mezo language 







 Mireille walking strong up the first flight of steep stairs. 
One of many selfies on the adventure.. 






Structure measurements, location and orientation[edit]

Dimension[2]Value
Height233.5 feet or 71.2 metres
Base perimeter2,933 feet or 894 metres
Side733.2 feet or 223.5 metres
1/2 side366.6 feet or 111.7 metres
Angle of slope32.494 degrees
Lateral surface area637,370.76 square feet or 59,213.681 square metres (assumes perfect square base and smooth faces)
Volume41,841,817 cubic feet or 1,184,828.3 cubic metres (assumes perfect square base and smooth faces)

A model of the pyramid
The orientation of the structure may hold some anthropological significance. The pyramid is oriented slightly northwest of the horizon point of the setting sun on two days a year, August 12 and April 29, which are about one divinatory calendar year apart for the Teotihuacanos. The day of August 12 is significant because it would have marked the date of the beginning of the present era and the initial day of the Maya long-count calendar. In addition, many important astrological events can be viewed from the location of the pyramid that are important in terms of both agriculture and belief systems of the ancient society.



it was a steep journey, Doug is demonstrating the hand over hand technique necessary to climb straight up. 







The pyramid was built over a man-made tunnel leading to a "cave" located six metres down beneath the centre of the structure. Originally this was believed to be a naturally formed lava tube cave and interpreted as possibly the place ofChicomoztoc, the place of human origin according to Nahua legends. More recent excavations have suggested that the space is man-made and could have served as a royal tomb.Šprajc, Ivan (2000). "Astronomical Alignments at Teotihuacan, Mexico". Latin American Antiquity 11 (4). p. 410. Recently scientists have used muon detectors to try to find other chambers within the interior of the pyramid, but substantial looting has prevented the discovery of a function for the chambers in Teotihuacan society.




Gazing at the heavens, resting, taking in all that we have lived in the last few days.  Mireille takes the time to enjoy and renew her energy for the final climp up. 

 





the middle zone of the Pyramid, a place of rest, we walk around there are some great views. Its getting warmer, we are hot, we enjoy some water. 


We all begin to head down, some side to side, some on our soft parts some helping others hand in hand all the way out of the site.  Xavier, you are a true gentleman. 





 Panoramic views from the middle and the top. 

 It was beginning to get crowed and I had to move my hand on a few but it made for a fun picture. 




This photo was taken by Doug, we bought a disposable camera and it was used well the first few hours.  Doug is now using my phone to take pics so that you can get a perspective, there will be a blog on these later. 

Doug demonstrating the crawl up method, that he perfected on the parts that were straight up. 

 You will notice this theme with Patty, hydration queen. A gift to us all.  Always near with some water and the wise words of slow down. 


 A view of the Panther fresco with the lucky jade rings that was found in the late 60's and they are finding more.  A carving of a panther and a fun Lizard that was quite large and enjoying some sun. 












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