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The Pyramid of the Moon is the other great pyramid in Teotihuacan, second only to the famous Pyramid of the Sun. By some measures, the Pyramid of the Moon is the second-largest pyramid in Mesoamerica (although by some measures - the Great Pyramid of Cholula is much larger than either the pyramids of the sun or the moon). The Pyramid of the Moon stood proud in central Mexico long before the fabled Aztec Empire rose.
It was the pyramids of Teotihuacan, like the Pyramid of the Moon, that drove the Aztecs to build their own giant pyramids many years later (visitors to Mexico City can still see the ruins of the once great Aztec temple Templo Mayor today). One of the best ways to see the pyramids and sprawling archeological site of Teotihuacan today is with a hot air balloon ride.
Size & Construction Of The Pyramid Of The Moon
The Pyramid of the Moon is located in the western part of Teotihuacan and covers an older structure. It is believed to have been built between 100 and 450 AD as part of a temple complex on the end of the Avenue of the Dead. The pyramid was used for ritual human and animal sacrifices and was also used as a burial ground for sacrificial victims.
The pyramid was built something like a Russian doll, with the pyramid being covered again and again with another pyramid built on top. This continued in seven stages until it reached the height seen today.
The fourth construction stage has been found to have a single male. He is believed to have been buried alive and wounded with his hand bound behind his back. There were also animal skeletons, including puma, wolf, and jaguar skeletons. Four human skeletons have been found in the fifth construction stage.
- Height: 46 meters or 150 feet
- Stages: 7 Construction Stages
- Built: From 1st to Fifth Century AD
While the Pyramid of the Moon is smaller than the Pyramid of the Sun, it is elevated by higher ground and is actually the highest point of the complex.
The Pyramid of the Moon was also the first large building in Teotihuacan, being older than the Pyramid of the Sun. Unfortunately, the great city they built, Tenochtitlan, was largely destroyed by the Spanish and built over by Mexico City. Today only some foundational remains of Tenochtitlan can be found.
Purpose & Religious Use Of The Pyramid Of The Moon
The pyramid had a platform on top that was used for ceremonies to honor the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan (she was the goddess of water, fertility, earth, and creation). At the base is the notable Plaza of the Moon with its surrounding platforms.
The main Plaza Alter is also dedicated to the Great Goddess. There are twelve small pyramid platforms surrounding the Plaza of the Moon. The plaza would have been able to hold thousands of people to watch the sacrificial rituals and human sacrifices.
While the Pyramid of the Moon and the Plaza were mostly used as religious and sacrificial centers, there were other functions as well. The plaza would have been the core of social life in the ancient Mesoamerican city. The religious nature of the pyramid may have made it more similar to the ziggurats of Mesopotamia (that can still be seen) than the mausoleum pyramids of Egypt.
The Pyramid of the Moon was named by the Aztecs many years later, long after the original inhabitants had left the area.
What To Know About Visiting The Pyramid Of The Moon & Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan is only a short drive from Mexico City and is normally visited on day tours. There are plenty of daily buses and guided tours from Mexico City to Teotihuacan.
- Days Open: 365 Days A Year
- Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 5 pm
Teotihuacan is one of the very few museums in Mexico to open on Mondays.
The standard entry fee to the Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone is 80 pesos ($4.00). The entry fee includes access to the Teotihuacan Culture Museum at the site, as well as the Museum of Teotihuacan Murals (Beatriz de la Fuente).
Tourists are no longer permitted to climb up the Pyramid of the Moon or the Pyramid of the Sun.