Pyramid of the Sun
The central and largest temple of Teotihuacan stands as a wide monolith along the Avenue of the Dead, its steep exterior marked where plateaus once were by crumbled pieces of lime plaster. Frozen shadows from bomb victims mark the walls where grand art once hung, silhouettes burned into stone by the flash that should have destroyed the pyramid but did not. Locals say the gods blessed these temples. The evidence is in the walls.
Over twenty levels exist between those above ground and the unused crypts below. A working forge sits on one level, producing tools and weapons for all four tribes. Water pumps replace the coffers of notched hallways in the lower sections, and the underground river Aztel flows south beneath the structure, providing fresh water to the complex. Depictions of the sun in various states are engraved on the ceilings and floors of the ground level: sunrise on the eastern wall, sunset on the western wall, with bits of orange glass still set in the engravings, catching light when it reaches them.
The Tribe of the Sun makes this pyramid their home. The largest of the four tribes, they are responsible for farming the crop fields to the east, working the forge, and performing the labor that sustains the complex. They work daily without complaint; complaining is a sign of weakness. Twice a year, during the Bright Days when the pyramid's shadow is barely perceptible, the tribe holds high holy days of feasting at the base. The abundance is so great that even the Tribe of the Moon, known for their restraint, gives in to gluttony.
The underground river Aztel reminds the people of Teotihuacan that if life can flow below, it can flourish above. The Pyramid of the Sun has stood since before the world ended. It shows no sign of yielding now.
Over twenty levels exist between those above ground and the unused crypts below. A working forge sits on one level, producing tools and weapons for all four tribes. Water pumps replace the coffers of notched hallways in the lower sections, and the underground river Aztel flows south beneath the structure, providing fresh water to the complex. Depictions of the sun in various states are engraved on the ceilings and floors of the ground level: sunrise on the eastern wall, sunset on the western wall, with bits of orange glass still set in the engravings, catching light when it reaches them.
The Tribe of the Sun makes this pyramid their home. The largest of the four tribes, they are responsible for farming the crop fields to the east, working the forge, and performing the labor that sustains the complex. They work daily without complaint; complaining is a sign of weakness. Twice a year, during the Bright Days when the pyramid's shadow is barely perceptible, the tribe holds high holy days of feasting at the base. The abundance is so great that even the Tribe of the Moon, known for their restraint, gives in to gluttony.
The underground river Aztel reminds the people of Teotihuacan that if life can flow below, it can flourish above. The Pyramid of the Sun has stood since before the world ended. It shows no sign of yielding now.
