Puzzling ‘craters’ discovered in front of the Moon Pyramid at Teotihuacan, Mexico

craters-discovered-moon-pyramid-teotihuacan-mexico_1Image Credit: INAH

At its zenith in the 1st century AD, Teotihuacan was probably the largest city (in terms of population) in pre-Columian Mesoamerica, with over 125,000 inhabitants residing within the thriving hub. And beyond just its high population credentials, the settlement was also known for its architectural glory that encompassed religious and cultural complexes (with pyramids) along with multi-floor ‘apartment’ compounds for the residents. Pertaining to the grandiosely constructed structures, the Pyramid of the Moon is the second largest pyramid monument in Teotihuacan, after the Pyramid of the Sun, and it was built circa 250 AD. And now archaeologists have come across a ‘network’ of mysterious ditches and passages in front of this Moon Pyramid. According to Mexico’s National Anthropology and History Institute, the odd man-made landscape actually resembles the craters of the actual moon when viewed from above.


Image Credit: INAH

Now while the researchers are not entirely sure of this fascinating scope, they have hypothesized that there is a symbolic angle to this network of intricate passageways. To that end, the team has found specific slabs made of green stone. They have also noted how the passages might metaphorically allude to the direction of the center of the universe. In any case, the ambit still remains perplexing with the ancient inhabitants of Teotihuacan possibly dabbling in some form of structural code.

As for the more ‘historical’ side of affairs, the archaeologists are looking forth to unveil more clues which are not just limited to obscure codes, but also entail extant artifacts and burial remains. Currently the team is focusing on Structure A, an expansive 625-sq m (6,720-sq ft) walled courtyard (adjacent to the Pyramid of the Moon) that is dotted with around ten altars.


The Pyramid of the Moon. Photo taken by Terry Eutsler.

Source: EFE

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