[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ header_text_color=”#0a1766″ header_font_size=”42px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Exploring Teotihuac\u00e1n<\/h1>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.2″ text_text_color=”#279b45″ text_line_height=”1em” custom_padding=”|120px||120px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
By Chance Nalley, Davis Church, Joao Gasparian, Roshan Gopal, Varun Gupta, Shaye Kirman, Thierry Lawrence, Evan Song, Jagger Stachtiaris, and Derek Tang<\/p>\n
New York City, NY, United States<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
In the heart of modern-day Mexico<\/strong> lies the awe-inspiring archaeological site of Teotihuac\u00e1n, an ancient Mesoamerican city that flourished between the first and seventh centuries CE. Just over an hour’s drive from Mexico City, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity and advanced knowledge of its architects and engineers.<\/p>\n Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Teotihuac\u00e1n covers an area of approximately 36 square kilometers (13 square miles). More than 200,000 residents may have lived there during its peak in the middle of the first millennium CE. Its size made it one of the most influential Mesoamerican cities of its time and among the largest population centers in the ancient world.<\/p>\n Precision Cityscape<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Teotihuac\u00e1n’s urban layout boasts practicality and precision. The city features a grid system and a standard unit of measurement. The central Avenue of the Dead, stretching about four kilometers (2.5 miles) is flanked by monumental structures arranged along cardinal directions. This intentional design, intersected by straight streets, highlights the city’s advanced engineering and thoughtful organization.<\/p>\n Teotihuac\u00e1n’s builders were keen astronomers. For example, the Avenue of the Dead is oriented about 15.5 degrees east of true north, suggesting astronomical and calendrical significance. The majestic Pyramid of the Sun in the city\u2019s central complex aligns with sunrises and sunsets on significant dates. Ranked as the third-largest pyramid in the world, it commands attention with a height of 65 meters (m), or 213 feet (ft.), and a base of approximately 225 m (738 ft.) on each side.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At one end of the Avenue of the Dead, the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent, also known as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, is adorned with intricately carved stone serpent heads. It stands 20 m (66 ft.) tall, with a base area of 130 square meters, and is the third-largest pyramid in the city. At the other end of the avenue, the colossal Pyramid of the Moon adds to the collection of monumental structures in Teotihuac\u00e1n, standing proud at a height of approximately 43 m (141 ft.) with a base that measures 147 m (482 ft.) by 130 m (426 ft.).<\/p>\n Water Works<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The city had an elaborate water drainage and supply system, with canals and wells providing water to its sizable population, especially important in an arid climate. Scholars debate reasons for the deliberate diversion of the nearby San Juan River, but it makes two nearly right turns to conform to the city\u2019s grid. The significance attributed to water went beyond mere practicality, extending to religious dimensions that underscored its central role in the cultural fabric of Teotihuac\u00e1n.<\/p>\n Abandonment<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Despite its grandeur, Teotihuac\u00e1n witnessed a population decline. By the eighth century CE, it was abandoned, leaving an enigmatic legacy. Yet, we can still appreciate the ancient engineering minds that fused mathematics, engineering, and astronomy to shape an unparalleled cultural treasure.<\/p>\n Have a suggestion for this story? We\u2019d love for you to\u00a0submit it<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Teotihuacan-GMS-aerial-view.png” alt=”stilt fisherman in Sri Lanka” title_text=”Teotihuacan GMS aerial view” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.23.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Teotihuacan-GMS-step-pyramid.png” alt=”Goats climbing argan trees in Morocco” title_text=”Teotihuacan GMS step pyramid” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.23.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Blank” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none; ” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blank<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Math Resources” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Sample Problems for Elementary School:<\/p>\n Sample Problems for Middle School:<\/p>\n Sample Problems for High School:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Social Justice Question” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Explore Further” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Share Your Story” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Teotihuacan-GMS-Pyramid-of-the-Serpent.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n