Jacob Edwards sacred space

Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacán
Profile of Sacred Space by Jacob Edwards

General Description

World-mysteries.com states, "The Pyramid of the Sun, built in the 2nd century AD, dominates the landscape of the ancient city of Teotihuacan in Mexico. It is the third largest pyramid in the world and the largest in the Teotihuacan complex." The website "Sacred Places - The Pyramid Of The Sun At Teotihuacán" gives this description, "The Pyramid of the Sun at the great pre-Columbian site of Teotihuacán in the Valley of Mexico is an awe-inspiring sight. One of the largest man-made constructions in the Americas—a continent dotted with enormous pre-Columbian pyramids—the Sun Pyramid stands at 489 feet (149 meters) by 551 feet (168 meters) at it base, 148 feet (45 meters) in height."

Architectural Design

The inhabitants of Teotihuacan built the pyramid by layering one pyramid on top another over the course of several centuries. The sides are stepped not a smooth slope as seen in the pyramids of Egypt and is constructed of smaller stones. When completed the exterior was plastered and painted bright red.

World-mysteries.com notes, "Another fascinating feature of some of the pyramidal structures is that they contain a broad, thick layer of mica, which had to be brought from Brazil, over 2000 miles away! Mica is very flaky and fragile, yet it was brought in very large pieces from great distances."

Harmony with Nature

Reynolds describes the relationship of the geometry of the Pyramid of the Sun to π (pi) and φ (Golden Section or "Devine Proportion"). After 17 pages of complex mathematical, geometric, and statistical analysis in his conclusion he states, "The Pyramid of the Sun also contains a sophisticated and subtle 'infusion by
association' of the… golden section ratio and its square root." Šprajc notes it is situated a bit northwest of the setting sun's horizon point on August 12 and April 29. August 12 is the first day of the Mayan long count calendar and numerous astrological scenes are seen from the pyramid.

Symbolism and Sacred Objects

The website "Sacred Places - The Pyramid Of The Sun At Teotihuacán" says, "Its graceful volumetric construction echoes the shape of the mountain behind it, encouraging viewers to perceive the man-made shape as a metaphorical echo of the enormous natural form that dominates the valley." Unfortunately, no exterior symbolism remains due the plaster exterior being eroded over time and few sacred objects remain having been destroyed or pilfered by conquerors and looters.

How it is used by Worshippers

Modern society knows very little as to the purpose of the pyramids as nature and invaders have destroyed most of the evidence or looters have carried it off. Šprajc observes the astrological events visible from the pyramid were significant to the agriculture and belief systems. The pyramid was build over a hollow space that may have been naturally occuring and revered by locals as a mythical source of human life. There is a lot of conjecture and speculation as to how worshippers used the Pyramid of the Sun but there is very little on which to base it.

Sources

Reynolds, Mark. "A Comparative Geometric Analysis of the Heights and Bases of the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan". Nexus Network Journal. Springer Jun 1, 1999

Šprajc, Ivan (2000). "Astronomical Alignments at Teotihuacan, Mexico". Latin American Antiquity 11 (4): pp.403–415

"Mystic Places: Teotihuacan." http://www.world-mysteries.com/mpl_7.htm 20 Apr 2009.

"Sacred Places - The Pyramid Of The Sun At Teotihuacán." http://science.jrank.org/pages/11192/Sacred-Places-Pyramid-Sun-at-Teotihuac-n.html 20 Apr 2009