| Pyramid Of The Sun |
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HISTORY Named the Pyramid of the Sun by the Aztecs centuries after the city of Teotihuacán 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 across and 246 feet high, making it the third largest pyramid in the world. 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 Pyramid Of The Plummed 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. Few images are thought to have been included in the mural decorations on the sides of the pyramid. Jaguar heads and paws, stars, and snake rattles are among the few images associated with the pyramids. It is thought that the pyramid venerated some deity of in Teotihucan society, but what god is still unknown. The destruction of the temple on top of the pyramid, by both deliberate and natural forces prior to the archaeological study of the site, prohibited the determination of who the temple may have been dedicated to. Some scholars have suggested that the deity of the pyramid was the Great Goddess , one of two major Teotihuacan deities and one of the few goddesses in ancient Mesoamerica. However, little evidence exists to support this theory. The first major archaeological excavation of the site was done by Leopold Bartres in 1906 . Subsequent and nearly continuous excavations continure to this day. GEOGRAPHY OF THE SITE The orientation of the structure may hold some anthropolgic 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. The pyramid was built over a man-made tunnel, the presence of which was probably the determining factor for the location of the cave. Caves in ancient Mesoamerica were often centers of worship for people. Two theories exist over the purpose of the space located six meters down beneath the center of the structure. Originally the space was believed to be a natural cave and interpreted as possibly the place of Chicomoztoc , the place of human origin according to Aztec Mythology . More recent excavations have suggested that the space is man-made instead, and could have served as a royal tomb. 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. Measurements of the pyramid seem to have particular significance. For example the base of the pyramid measures approximately 260 Varas . 260 is the number of days of the divine calendar common across Mesoamerica. The measurements, astrological orientation, and location of the pyramid suggest thoughtful planning meant to honor leaders or deities. ARTIFACTS OF THE SITE Only a few caches of artifacts have been found in and around the pyramid. Obsidian arrowheads and human figurines have been discovered inside the pyramid and similar objects have been found at the nearby Pyramid Of The Moon and Feathered Serpent Pyramid in the Ciudadela . These objects may have represented sacrificial victims. In addition, burial sites of children have been found in excavations at the corners of the pyramid. It is believed that these burials were part of a sacrificial ritual dedicating the building of the pyramid. REFERENCES
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