City Beneath a City

MEXICO CITY, Mexico - On a trip to Mexico City, I discovered a fascinating mix of old European flavors and ancient world ruins that are as impressive as the Egyptian Pyramids.

Two parallel archeological sites, Tenochtitlan and Teotihuacan remind us of a remote period in Central Mexico’s history. Tenochtitlan is an old Aztec city that lies beneath Mexico City’s large center square, Zocalo.  Parts of Tenochtitlan have been excavated and open directly onto Zocalo square, across from the Royal Palace. Exposed aqueducts, rooms and artifacts are a part of the city center’s modern backdrop as if they were always meant to be there. In fact, the bricks from the dig were used to build the immense Metopolitan Cathedral that stands beside the archeological site. Mexico City is believed to be the sixth city built on this site.  Each population built a city on top of a more ancient city.

Mexico City is often overlooked as a travel destination but it has everything a major historical city like Paris or Madrid has to offer and more.  Its mix of culture, atmosphere, art, architecture, history and food make it an attractive, accessible tourist destination.

Forty kilometers northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacan, another ancient city sits majestically 2200 meters above sea level. Two large pyramids, the Sun and the Moon Pyramid rise above the ground, separated by the kilometer-long Calle de las Muertes (Road of the Dead) where it is believed over 200,000 people once lived.  This incredible city was originally built by the Aztecs around 500AD. The civilizations of Tenochtitlan and Teotihuacan were never thought to be related until artifacts were discovered in 2006 suggesting that there was a sixth city under Tenochtitlan that is as ancient as Teotihucan.

Tenochtitlan rising toward the sun contrasts Teotihuacan amidst colonial architecture in the middle of Mexico City.  This scene is more complimentary than contrasting which embodies the spirit of Mexico City. My impression is that its citizens have a deep appreciation for the past and embrace the progress that they have been afforded as a result of democracy.