Papa and I visited Teotihuacan today. It is the site of many of the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican pyramids built in the pre-Colombian Americas, particularly the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent.
Teotihuacan predates the Aztec Empire by many centuries. At its zenith, 1-500 AD, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the Americas, with a population of at least 25,000 and likely more than 125,000. Teotihuacan is also known for it’s multi-family residential compounds, along The Avenue of the Dead, that connects all it’s Pyramids and it’s many colorful murals. Artifacts indicate the city lasted until the 7th to 8th centuries, when it appears the major monuments were sacked and burned.
Teotihuacan is about 45 miles northeast of Mexico City. We joined a tour group, and road their bus. Once there, we explored on our own for three hours. It was fascinating. On the ride back to Mexico City, we saw the snow covered peaks of Iztaccihuatl, 5286m (17,343 ft), and Popocatepetl, 5393m (17,343 ft). They are about 45-50 miles southeast of Mexico City. Popocatepetl was belching volcanic vapor.
