Designing the underworld in Teotihuacan: Cave detection beneath the moon pyramid by ERT and ANT surveys

摘要

Teotihuacan is one of the largest pre-Hispanic cities established in central Mexico. Caves and tunnels have been previously found underneath two important edifices: the Sun and Quetzalcoatl pyramids, probably dedicated to religious ceremonies about the underworld, fertility and the creation of humankind. The main objective of this study was to provide hard evidence about the existence of a cavity beneath the Moon Pyramid, the second largest structure in the site. For this purpose, we applied ERT and ANT surveys, non-invasive geophysical techniques that permitted the identification of a void under the Moon Pyramid and some access tunnels. The historical impact of this discovery opens the discussion about the symbolic meaning of this pyramid and the origins of urban planning at the site.