Editing Pyramid of the Moon (section)

{{Short description|Pyramid structure in Mexico}}
{{Infobox ancient site
| name          = Pyramid of the Moon
| native_name   = 
| native_name_lang=
| alternate_name = 
| image         = Piramide de la Luna 072006.jpg
|alt            = Pyramid of the Moon
|caption        = Pyramid of the Moon
| map           =
| map_type      = 
| map_alt       = 
| map_caption   = 
| map_size      = 
| relief        =
| map_dot_label =
| coordinates   = 
| location      = [[Mexico State]]
| region        = [[Mesoamerica]]
| type          = Pyramid, Temple
| part_of       = [[Teotihuacan]]
| length        = 
| width         =
| volume        =
| height        = 
| built         =
| abandoned     = 
| epochs        = Mesoamerican classic
| cultures      = Teotihuacan
| condition     = Protected by [[UNESCO]]
| ownership     = Cultural heritage
| management    = [[World Heritage Committee]]
| public_access = Yes
}}

The '''Pyramid of the Moon''' is the second-largest [[pyramid]] in [[Mesoamerica]], after the [[Pyramid of the Sun]], and located in modern-day [[San Martín de las Pirámides]], [[Mexico]]. It is found in the western part of the ancient city of [[Teotihuacan]] and mimics the contours of the mountain Cerro Gordo, just north of the site. Cerro Gordo may have been called ''Tenan'', which in [[Nahuatl]], means "mother or protective stone". The Pyramid of the Moon covers a structure older than the Pyramid of the Sun which existed prior to 200 [[Anno Domini|AD]].

The Pyramid's construction between 100 and 450&nbsp;AD completed the [[bilateral symmetry]] of the temple complex.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apromeci.org.mx/2018/10/03/tzacualli-metztli-piramide-de-la-luna-teotihuacan/|title=Apromeci &#124; Tzacualli Metztli (Pirámide de la Luna), Teotihuacan.|first=Post Author|last=Apromeci|date=October 3, 2018|website=Apromeci|access-date=April 1, 2020|archive-date=November 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118083006/https://apromeci.org.mx/2018/10/03/tzacualli-metztli-piramide-de-la-luna-teotihuacan/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The pyramid is located at the end of the Avenue of the Dead, connected by a  staircase, and was used as a stage for performing ritual sacrifices of animals and humans upon. It was also a burial ground for sacrificial victims. These burials were done in order to legitimize the addition of another pyramid layer over the existing one. The passing of several rulers, and rapid changes in ideologies, led to the Pyramid of the Moon's exponential expansion between 250 and 400&nbsp;AD. A platform atop the pyramid was used to conduct ceremonies in honor of the [[Great Goddess of Teotihuacan]], the goddess of water, fertility, the earth, and even creation itself. This platform and the sculpture found at the pyramid's bottom are thus dedicated to The Great Goddess.

Opposite the Great Goddess's altar is the [[Plaza of the Moon]]. The Plaza contains a central altar and an original construction with internal divisions, consisting of four rectangular and diagonal bodies that formed what is known as the "Teotihuacan Cross."

{{Comparison_of_pyramids.svg|upright=1.75}}