While we were is Mexico City we took a day tour to the ruins of Teotihuacan. The ancient civilization has become a major archaeological site. Exploration and excavation work has been going on for about 130 years and only five square kilometers of the 30 square kilometer site has been explored. Archeologists are still working everyday to clear more structures.  The site was inhabited from around 200 B.C. until its collapse almost one thousand years later. Teotihuacan is thought to have had a population of about 200,000 inhabitants at its peak.  At other ruins sites they have been about to determine who lived there but at Teotihuacan they are still cannot determine what group occupied the site.

                    Avenue of the Dead

The main road running through the center of Teotihuacan, called the Avenue of the Dead, is almost a mile and a half long, and about 130 feet wide. Many buildings surround the Avenue of the Dead. The Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacan’s most impressive structure towering more than 200 feet in height, presents a challenging but worthwhile climb. We managed to make it to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun after much huffing and puffing.

On Top of the Pyramid of the Sun

In the picture, behind us, you can see the The Pyramid of the Moon. We did not have enough time or leg power to go the top of that one also.

Teotihuacan was decorated with vibrant murals.  We were able to see some that have been surprisingly well-preserved.

Image of a Jaguar