The Pyramid of the Moon, like the Pyramid of the Sun, was originally constructed in the second century AD. Slightly smaller than the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon is obviously no less important in understanding the religious nature of this urban state.
Recent research conducted by Saburo Sugiyama contends that both pyramids follow numerological principles involving multiples of Teotihuacan measurement that corresponds to their calendrical divisions, as well. Teotihuacanos were uncommonly advanced with mathematics and astronomy.
The Street of the Dead comes to an end at the Pyramid of the Moon. One might also say the structure rests at the apex of the thoroughfare. Behind the Pyramid of the Moon is Cerro Gordo, a massive volcanic mountain with a sunken cone. Not only is the placement of the pyramid in front of the mountain compelling visually, it suggests a topographical "portal" if you will, between the people and the sacred; a "point of liminal transformation," according to Mary Ellen Miller, who has conducted extensive research into the art of Mesoamerica. These founding structures of Teotihuacan are steeped in significance. Esther Pastory, Professor of Art History at Columbia University, suggests that the structures' orientation is the best possible evidence that Teotihuacan deliberately built itself as different from other cultures. Not only was this difference literally built into the planning of the physical city, the design manifested Teotihuacan's special relationship with the cosmos.
Millon and others identify the two deities representing the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon as "The Great Goddess" and "The Storm God." The Goddess appears to be contained strictly within the culture and religion of Teotihuacan. She is depicted in murals that are interpreted to represent paradise on earth.
Murals found indicate this Great Goddess was a personification of nature and yet with body parts scattered throughout "nature," she lived in nature also. This leads Pastory to conclude that the people of Teotihuacan were living out this metaphor: they were living in the "body of the Goddess." These findings are also based on "host" figurines excavated at various digs in Teotihuacan. A larger, naked and hollowed-out figure opens up on both sides to reveal a smaller sculpture within; usually a person fully dressed as Teotihuacanos would have been. The metaphor of being in the womb of the Great Goddess is apparent. Scholar Warren Barbour suggests the figurines demonstrate the concept of the people of Teotihuacan of being encased within "a large cosmic body" or the "sheltering body of a divinity."
