Join expert Annabeth Headrick as she uncovers the mysteries of the legendary Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán, exploring its construction, cultural significance, and connections to the Mesoamerican world. Discover the secrets hidden beneath the pyramid, its role in society, and the legacy it continues to hold in Mesoamerican cosmology.
The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan is a massive Mesoamerican monument symbolizing an important center for rituals.
The construction involved using old ceramics for fill and later applying Tetracon concrete to mask decayed adobe materials.
Deep dives
Overview of the Pyramid of the Sun
The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan in central Mexico is a massive Mesoamerican monument, a single-phase construction that rivals the Great Pyramid at Khufu in Giza. It symbolizes an important center in the ancient city and a significant place for rituals. Constructed between 1 to 100 CE, it stands as a colossal hulking pyramid, dominating the landscape with dimensions comparable to the Great Pyramid in Giza.
Construction and Materials Used
The pyramid's construction involved using fill made from old ceramics and refuse, placed in bins before being built. The exterior layer of the pyramid, analyzed by archaeologists, revealed soft adobe materials beneath, leading to substantial decay. Later, Tetracon concrete was applied to the pyramid's surface, masking the original materials used in its construction.
Rituals and Ceremonies
The Pyramid of the Sun likely served as a site for various ceremonies, including the installation of kings and the new fire ritual, a symbolic act associated with crowning rulers and marking significant calendar dates. The top likely held a temple with ritualistic elements like twisted ropes for fire drills, symbolizing the creation of new fire to represent the sun.
Cultural Significance and Legacy
A central element of Mesoamerican culture, the Pyramid of the Sun was revered over centuries, with the Aztec considering it a crucial site where the sun and moon originated. Built in alignment with nature and celestial phenomena, it represented the beginning of time and the gods' creation of the sun, linking it to the three prominent mountains surrounding Teotihuacan as a monument to the dawn of creation.
The Pyramid of the Sun is ancient America’s Great Pyramid of Giza. Built in the legendary city of Teotihuacán, and given its name by the Aztecs, this magnificent step pyramid is another great wonder of the ancient world. But who built it? And what for?
In today’s episode of The Ancients Tristan Hughes is joined by Annabeth Headrick, an expert on all things Teotihuacán to explore and uncover the mysteries that surround this massive Mesoamerican monument.
Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.
Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign upHERE for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. https://historyhit.com/subscription
Vote for The Ancients in the Listeners Choice category of British Podcast Awards here.