Honoring the Past in Mexico City

Sometimes I think it’s amazing how advanced our societies were hundreds of years ago. Today’s culture seems to prepare our youth to just be able to push buttons and work with information technology. Yet, people in the past were masters in so many ways, even if they had no formal schooling.

Mexico is a dream for those wanting to explore ancient cultures. If you have limited time in Mexico City, you can gain great insight into the past from two sites, in particular. One is outside the city (Teotihuacán) whereas the second is in the heart of the city (Templo Mayor). Even if you’ve visited these sites in the past, they’re worth re-visits, as they keep growing, as the archaeologists keep digging.

Teotihuacán is sometimes called the Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon. But their are dozens of structures here, plus a museum, and marketplace.

According to UNESCO, which lists this as a World Heritage Property, “Teotihuacán is one the archaeological sites with the longest history of exploration in Mexico.” Beginning in the 1860s, the digging is still going on today. Perhaps for that reason, it’s hard to estimate the expanse of this community. By some accounts, just a minute fraction of the ruins have been uncovered.

Some estimate the complex was inhabited by 100,000 people over eight square miles. There is evidence that various cultures lived here over time. The structures are spread around a central Avenue of the Dead. The Pyramid of the Sun, for those wanting to climb it, is about 250 feet high, making it one of the tallest pyramids in the world. There are about four or five landing spots where you can catch your breath. Bring a hat, or visor, and something to drink. Although the air is cooler here, the sun is hot.

This area had a long lasting zenith, but apparently a quick demise. The City of the Gods was eradicated in the 7th century, most likely by deliberate razing by fire and smashing of sculptures. Its remains have colored future generations, and even influenced the art and architecture of Diego Rivera.

The zócalo, which was the opening scene in the latest James Bond movie, is the heart of Mexico City. The central square is flanked by the cathedral and the Palacio Nacional. Tucked behind and to the right of the cathedral is the Templo Mayor and museum.

This is a prime example of how the Spaniards demolished signs of the indigenous by building the catholic places of worship directly over native sacred grounds. The Templo Mayor is in the center of modern day Mexico City. Most likely, the entire mapping of the city was done to cover up the indigenous holy grounds.

While free for nationals, the modest price of admission for foreigners includes access to the museum. Some of the objects on display here look like replicas. It’s hard to imagine all of these pieces uncovered and put back together in remarkably good condition, after almost 700 years.

There are many similarities between Teotihuacán and Templo Mayor. Some may prefer to visit the pyramids for a feel of how the ancients lived close to nature.

The Templo Mayor was the center of the universe for the Mexicas. It was first discovered in 1978, when construction workers found a large stone with the image of one of the gods. As today’s scientific teams tackle the buried ruins, they find more proof of the engineers, architects, interior designers and artists of the past. The land that was the center of their universe was not ideal for construction. As a result, there are layers of buildings over buildings, as structures sunk, and the population expanded.

If you have extra time, stop in at the Museum of Anthropology, near Chapultepec Park for an overview of the many cultures that lived in Mexico in ancient times.