After today’s lecture, some interesting and lively feedback
were given in relation to the blog and forum posts, so moving forward I will
try and keep this week’s response more focused on addressing the question! Teotihuacan was one of largest populated and
scaled architectural forms found in the Classic- period of Mesoamerica, in
modern day Mexico. This post will discuss the Sun and Moon Pyramids as we
travel along the Avenue of the Dead, virtually using Google Maps.
The first place to examine is the Pyramid of the Moon. The sheer size of the pyramid compared to the
undeveloped surroundings highlights the power, control, and class segregation
that existed. The Pyramid was used as
tomb site, and the architecture shows the different stages it was built (different
levels). Much like the symbology behind
the Egyptian Pyramids, it displays the organization and control that rulers had
over the people. Building such massive
monuments was likely done to display the ruler’s importance and power during
his life. Also, it signifies the
importance that the after life had on the ruler.
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| Pyramid of Moon |
Next, we saw the Pyramid of the Sun; the largest structure
in Teotohuacan. Located at near the
center, the location and size signifies its importance. Built later by a succeeding ruler, again it
shows the organization, power, and class segregation. The ruler would require thousands of people
to build the Pyramid and it shows his ultimate control to do so. Both the Pyramids of Sun and Moon display
similar relationship and environments.
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| Pyramid of Sun |
The Street of Dead is a large open courtyard that was used
for ritual activities. We notice that
Teotihuacan takes shape of grid patterns. However, the open spaces, wide roads,
green space, and less fortified design show a much different type of setting
than witness in Timgad or Pikillacta.
Instead of having complicated road networks and control over the people’s
spatial movements, the Street of Dead exemplifies how the people were freer. I
would hypothesize that the leaders of Teotohuacan were respected rather than
feared!
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| Street of Dead- Look at all the open space! |
