Avenue of the Dead

Walking the Avenue of the Dead toward the Pyramid
of the Sun. The pyramid is supposed to resemble
the mountain behind it.

Connecting the Pyramids lies the 1.5 mile long Avenue of the Dead, so called because it was believed at one time to be constructed by tombs. Later scholars discovered is believed that ceremonial platforms topped with temples, smaller pyramids, and palaces lined the Avenue. The Temple of Quetzalcoatl, or Temple of the Feathered Serpent lies along the southern end, where burial sites, skeletal remains and artifacts have been recovered. This is the name of a very similar looking Aztec god which came thousands of years after the Teotihuacanos. 

Original painting of a jaguar on a temple wall. Recognized as an
apex predator, the jaguar often symbolizes supernatural
strength and powers

A school group walking along the Avenue of the Dead.

Between the midday heat, the swirling dust from the hot wind and slowly meandering down this busy street we felt like WE could die at times!!

Pyramid of the Moon

Pyramid of the Moon

The Pyramid of the Moon at the northern end of the Avenue is believed to have been used as a ritual temple built to worship the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan who served as a deity of water, fertility, and creation.

A sacrificial (think slaughter) area where
these people are standing lies at
the foot of the Pyramid of the Moon.

It was completed slightly after the Pyramid of the Sun, in 250 AD, and stands at 140 feet high It was built in seven layers, one pyramid on top of the other, very much like a Russian doll. Excavations have revealed human sacrifices in at least the last 3 layers, most sat upright in the lotus position, accompanied by animal sacrifices and objects.

Of course, as with any tourist spot, vendors and 

even hunky young men in traditional costumes

could be found.