Teotihuacan

The ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacan is located about an hour's drive north of Mexico City. Once boasting a population of approximately 125,000, Teotihuacan was once one of the largest cities in the world, at a time when its existence was not known to most of the planet's inhabitants. The archaeological site includes the ruins of two major pyramids, numerous ceremonial platforms, and the ruins of residences and temples. The city is thought to have existed in its prime between around 100 BC-550 AD. By the time the Aztecs found it, it was already in ruins – and much of what is known about Teotihuacan, including its name, comes from the Aztecs, not those people who originally built it. Today the site exists as one of the largest and most important anciety Mesoamerican archaelogical sites, offering visitors easy access to climb the two pyramids, view remarkably well preserved paintings, and an excellent museum that houses many of the smaller artifacts found here.

Pyramid of the Sun
The Pyramid of the Sun, the third largest ancient pyramid in the world.

Pyramid of the Sun
The base of the stairs to climb the Pyramid of the Sun.

Plaza of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Avenue of the Dead

Plaza of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Avenue of the Dead

Plaza of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Avenue of the Dead

Plaza of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Avenue of the Dead

Pyramid of the Sun
One of the terraces part of the way up the Pyramid of the Sun.

Pyramid of the Sun
The very top of the Pyramid of the Sun.

Plaza of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Avenue of the Dead
A view of the plaza and Avenue of the Dead from the top of the Pyramid of the Sun.

Pyramid of the Moon
A view of the Pyramid of the Moon from the top of the Pyramid of the Sun.

Pyramid of the Sun
People at the top of the Pyramid of the Sun.

Pyramid of the Sun
People at the top of the Pyramid of the Sun.

Pyramid of the Moon
A view of the Pyramid of the Moon from the top of the Pyramid of the Sun.

Pyramid of the Sun
Heading back down the steep stairs of the Pyramid of the Sun.

Pyramid of the Sun

Pyramid of the Sun

Pyramid of the Sun

Avenue of the Dead
Looking down the Avenue of the dead toward the Pyramid of the Moon.

Pyramid of the Sun

Avenue of the Dead
Looking down the Avenue of the dead toward the Pyramid of the Moon.

Avenue of the Dead
Ceremonial platforms lining the Avenue of the Dead.

Avenue of the Dead
Ceremonial platforms lining the Avenue of the Dead.

Paintings
Ancient mural of a puma inside one of the structures along the Avenue of the Dead.

Pyramid of the Moon
The Pyramid of the Moon and its plaza.

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