Structure Measurements, Location and Orientation
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 233.5 feet or 71.2 metres |
| Base perimeter | 2,933 feet or 894 metres |
| Side | 733.2 feet or 223.5 metres |
| 1/2 Side | 366.6 feet or 111.7 metres |
| Angle of slope | 32.494 degrees |
| Lateral Surface Area | 637,370.76 square feet or 59,213.681 square metres (assumes perfect square base and smooth faces) |
| Volume | 41,841,817 cubic feet or 1,184,828.3 cubic metres (assumes perfect square base and smooth faces) |
The orientation of the structure may hold some anthropological significance. The pyramid is oriented slightly northwest of the horizon point of the setting sun on two days a year, August 12 and April 29, which are about one divinatory calendar year apart for the Teotihuacanos. The day of August 12 is significant because it would have marked the date of the beginning of the present era and the initial day of the Maya long-count calendar. In addition, many important astrological events can be viewed from the location of the pyramid that are important in terms of both agriculture and belief systems of the ancient society.
The pyramid was built over a man-made tunnel leading to a "cave" located six metres down beneath the centre of the structure. Originally this was believed to be a naturally formed lava tube cave and interpreted as possibly the place of Chicomoztoc, the place of human origin according to Nahua legends. More recent excavations have suggested that the space is man-made and could have served as a royal tomb. Recently scientists have used muon detectors to try to find other chambers within the interior of the pyramid, but substantial looting has prevented the discovery of a function for the chambers in Teotihuacan society.
Read more about this topic: Pyramid Of The Sun
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