Pyramid of Sun Colouring

The Pyramid of the Sun stands at Teotihuacan, an ancient city northeast of modern Mexico City. The people who built Teotihuacan began shaping their great city long before the Aztecs arrived. Construction of the pyramid's main mass took place during the first and second centuries CE, with later changes. Its modern name was given many centuries afterward, so archaeologists do not know what its builders originally called it. They also still debate which deity or ceremonies were most closely connected with the monument. This is the largest structure at Teotihuacan. Official measurements are about 222 by 225 metres at the base and roughly 65 metres high. Builders used stone, earth and clay, then faced the outside with volcanic stone. The main facade faces west toward the Avenue of the Dead. Broad platforms rise one above another, with a steep central staircase leading toward the summit. A temple or shrine may once have stood on top, but it has not survived. Beneath the pyramid is a human-made tunnel leading to a four-lobed chamber. Researchers have suggested that this underground place may have represented a sacred origin, although its meaning remains uncertain. Cerro Gordo rises behind the monument, connecting the built pyramid visually with the mountain landscape. Colour the broad steps with volcanic greys, warm browns, sandy beige and muted reddish tones. Use a slightly lighter shade on the flat terrace tops and a darker shade on the upright faces so every level remains easy to count. The long central stair can be pale cream or grey with darker side rails. Ancient Teotihuacan buildings were once plastered and brightly painted, so you may add careful red, orange or turquoise bands to imagine their original appearance. Colour the agave leaves blue-green, leaf green or teal, the distant mountain pale brown or violet, and the sun bright yellow or gold. Make the Avenue of the Dead sandy tan and keep the sky light blue. Use straight horizontal strokes across each terrace and short upward strokes on the stairs. Do not turn it into a smooth Egyptian pyramid: the wide stepped levels and central stair are its special features. Leaving open white highlights will keep this enormous handmade mountain clear and friendly for young learners.

◫ A4 size✎ Bold outlines♡ Ages 3–8

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