Pyramid of the Sun Teotihuacan

The Pyramid of the Sun, located at the heart of Teotihuacan,

by Dorothy and Bill Bell

Pyramid of the Sun
Pyramid of the Sun

The Pyramid of the Sun, located at the heart of Teotihuacan, is the largest structure on the site and the third-largest pyramid in the world, surpassed only by the Great Pyramid of Cholula near Puebla, Mexico, and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. This monumental structure, likely used as both a religious and sacrificial center, played a central role in the spiritual life of the ancient Teotihuacan civilization. Rising to an impressive height, it was built around 200 CE, making it one of the most significant landmarks of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.

When the site was rediscovered in the early 20th century, the pyramid appeared as a massive, eroded mound of stone rubble, with vegetation—trees and plants—growing out of the structure. The temple that once crowned the summit of the Pyramid of the Sun had long since disappeared, likely due to centuries of weathering and the decline of the Teotihuacan culture. While the original temple’s purpose remains a mystery, it is believed to have been dedicated to solar worship, in keeping with the pyramid’s alignment with astronomical events, such as the setting sun on the day of the summer solstice. Today, the Pyramid of the Sun stands as a powerful testament to the engineering prowess and religious devotion of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, continuing to captivate visitors and archaeologists alike.

The Pyramid of the Sun, likely serving as a religious and sacrificial center, is the largest structure at Teotihuacan and ranks as the third-largest pyramid in the world, following the Great Pyramid of Cholula near Puebla, Mexico, and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. When rediscovered in the early 20th century, the pyramids resembled hills of stone and rubble, overgrown with trees and vegetation. The temple that once sat atop the Pyramid of the Sun had long since disappeared, leaving only the towering structure as a testament to the grandeur of the ancient civilization.
The Pyramid of the Sun, likely serving as a religious and sacrificial center, is the largest structure at Teotihuacan and ranks as the third-largest pyramid in the world, following the Great Pyramid of Cholula near Puebla, Mexico, and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. When rediscovered in the early 20th century, the pyramids resembled hills of stone and rubble, overgrown with trees and vegetation. The temple that once sat atop the Pyramid of the Sun had long since disappeared, leaving only the towering structure as a testament to the grandeur of the ancient civilization.
Construction of the Pyramid of the Sun began around 100 CE, over a cave shaped like a four-leaf clover. This cave held great significance for Mesoamerican cultures, and archaeologists believed it was considered the "womb of the universe," a sacred place where the gods were believed to have created the world. The pyramid was likely built over this cave to highlight the spiritual importance of the location, and it may have influenced the overall alignment of the city of Teotihuacan, further emphasizing its central role in religious and cosmic beliefs.
Construction of the Pyramid of the Sun began around 100 CE, over a cave shaped like a four-leaf clover. This cave held great significance for Mesoamerican cultures, and archaeologists believed it was considered the “womb of the universe,” a sacred place where the gods were believed to have created the world. The pyramid was likely built over this cave to highlight the spiritual importance of the location, and it may have influenced the overall alignment of the city of Teotihuacan, further emphasizing its central role in religious and cosmic beliefs.

Constructed between 100 and 200 CE, the Pyramid of the Sun initially measured 215 by 215 meters (705 by 705 feet) at its base and stood approximately 63 meters (206 feet) tall. Around 50 to 75 years later, the pyramid was expanded, reaching its final dimensions of 225 meters (738 feet) square at the base and a height of 75 meters (246 feet), making it one of the largest structures in the Pre-Columbian Americas. The temple that once stood atop the pyramid, completing its grand design, was finished around 300 CE.

The pyramid was originally constructed with four stepped platforms made from stone blocks, coated with lime plaster, and vividly painted in red and other striking colors, adorned with murals and symbolic motifs. However, during its reconstruction in the early 20th century, a mistake was made, and the pyramid was incorrectly restored with five platforms instead of the original four.

Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun is no longer permitted to preserve its structure and ensure visitor safety. In the past, the ascent involved 248 uneven steps leading from one patio to another. Many of the risers were over 30 centimeters (12 inches) in height, with varying tread widths, making the climb a challenging physical feat. While visitors can no longer scale the pyramid, its grandeur can still be appreciated from ground level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding archaeological site.
Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun is no longer permitted to preserve its structure and ensure visitor safety. In the past, the ascent involved 248 uneven steps leading from one patio to another. Many of the risers were over 30 centimeters (12 inches) in height, with varying tread widths, making the climb a challenging physical feat. While visitors can no longer scale the pyramid, its grandeur can still be appreciated from ground level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding archaeological site.
Corner view of the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan, showcasing its impressive stone construction and steep incline, a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the ancient Mesoamerican civilization.
Corner view of the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan, showcasing its impressive stone construction and steep incline, a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the ancient Mesoamerican civilization.
Bill Bell standing atop the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan when climbing was still permitted, capturing the breathtaking views and history of the ancient city behind him
Bill Bell standing atop the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan when climbing was still permitted, capturing the breathtaking views and history of the ancient city behind him