The Pyramids, Temples, and Ceremonial Centers of Ancient Mexico

Pyramids, temples, and ceremonial centers are part of the archaeological remains that are located throughout the Mexican territory.

Mexico is a country full of history. Archaeological monuments let this show. In all regions of the republic there is always something that shows Mexico’s past, from the civilizations like the Maya, Aztec and Teotihuacan, to the colonial-era buildings, revolution, and more. Every street, every church and every pyramid says something about the national identity. Dating back to prehispanic times, we realize life in past times was extraordinary. Its buildings were made with unmatched precision and artistic beauty.

Chichen Itzá. Perhaps the main trace of the Maya can be found here. It was dedicated to the god of water and fertility. the architectural  structure, Chichen Itza was a bustling commercial and cultural center built in the depths of the jungle. Technological advances found in this place show the intelligence of the Maya. It was recently chosen one of the seven new wonders of the world. Located in the Yucatan.

Teotihuacán. In Nahuatl means “place where gods live.” This archaeological site is home to two of Mexico’s most impressive pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon. Both grace the Avenue of the dead or in Spanish (la Calzada de los muertos) The religious importance of Teotihuacan lies in the cosmology of the people. It was the birthplace of the Fifth Sun, which worships Quetzalcoatl. It is located in the State of Mexico.

Palenque. While Palenque today is a city in the Mexican state of Chiapas, Mayan ceremonial center, located in the middle of dense rain-forest. Palenque was one of the most important ceremonial centers of the Maya.

Monte Alban. The city was founded around the year 300 BC It is located 10 kilometers from the capital of the state of Oaxaca. According to studies on the architectural style of buildings, tombs and handicrafts, has determined that the site’s history is divided into five eras, from 500 BC until 1521. It was inhabited by the Zapotec civilization.

Tajin. Located in the beautiful state of Veracruz, is an archaeological area declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The architectural complex offers a panoramic view, and it is an ancient city. The ceremonial and political buildings developed around smaller constructions corresponding to the population dynamics of maintaining the religious life.

Tulum. It is a city located in the Mayan Riviera, specifically in the Yucatan Peninsula. Was given that name in honor of the Mayan city (now archaeological site) of that name. Tulum means “strength” or “wall” in the language of the Maya.

It is based on the wall that was built around the city to protect it. You could say that today, the city of Tulum has just under 15000 inhabitants it’s a tourism-oriented city today, whichare attracted to the numerous and spectacular archaeological sites in the area.

Xochicalco. Located in the state of Morelos, this archaeological site was built on a hill that rises 130 meters above sea level. The entire hill was artificially modified by cuts, fills and retaining walls to form terraces that gave the place the appearance of a pyramidal platform geological dimensions. This city was considered one of the major trading centers of it’s time.

Templo Mayor. Located in the heart of Mexico City, It was a ceremonial site. In this sacred space were the main buildings, and government palaces, houses for warriors, homes for priests, the school for nobles, called Calmecac, the Tzompantli (walls of skulls were displayed) and various temples for the worship of the gods. The main temple  among these was the “Templo Mayor”.

Uxmal. It is an ancient Mayan city of the classical period. Today is one of the most important archaeological sites of Mayan culture, along with those of Chichen Itza and Tikal. It is located in the area called the Zona Puuc and most representative of this architectural Mayan style. It is located 62 kilometers south of Merida, capital of Yucatan state. Its buildings are noted for their size and decoration.

Other highly important archaeological sites are La Venta, El Tepozteco, Coba, Tula and Cholula Cuicuilco. Each has a unique value and make Mexico a place full of history.

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