Pyramids whether in Egypt or Mexico are relics of the past that have basked in the hot rays of sunshine for thousands of years. These ancient structures are considered to be the first “skyscrapers” of the ancient world that have truly passed the test of time with their long-lasting durability, superior build quality, and most importantly their ingenious design.

They were more than just buildings with a distinct look and feel, many of them served a very important purpose. Whether it be housing the dead, acting as a safe for perishable goods, or serving as a clock pyramids have been able to help ancient societies advance in ways unimaginable had they not been built.

The Teotihuacan people of Mesoamerica now modern-day Mexico created a city of flourishing markets, vibrant culture, and a thriving city of temples and pyramids to various deities. They were able to track time by analyzing the patterns of sunrise and sunset over their city. This was a vital technique as it helped the city know when to grow food, harvest plants, and perform other agriculture functions that helped keep the city alive year around.

Construction of the pyramids presumably took several years as the alignment of the sun to the pyramid had to exact and just right before finishing the full pyramid. During the spring equinox, the sun will perfectly shine on half of the pyramid, leaving the other half dark and signaling to the farmers and townspeople that spring was here.

On top of this, there were deeply religious and cultural beliefs to be maintained at the correct time and the Sun Pyramid which is located 25 miles north of Mexico City enabled the Teotihuacan people to do. These specific rituals varied in intensity and ornamentation but all carried out a specific purpose that helped promote the Teotihuacan people’s culture and identity. Although there is still a lot of information that is unknown about this culture and the Teotihuacan people there are many theories that prove they were an advanced society that had a deep interest in understanding astronomy, time, and sun.

Upon closer inspection into their city, it can be observed that the sun, moon, and another pyramid make up the same constellation of Orion’s belt. The purpose of the city was to reflect what they had seen in the stars above them and how they did it is quite mind-boggling. The grands plazas that lay in front of the pyramids were one way the Teotihuacan were able to acquire such a strong understanding of time and space.

The plazas likely served as reservoirs that when filled up with water would reflect the constellations in the sky that could then be plotted onto paper or mapped for future construction projects. It served as a mirror to their city and provided them with the instructions on how to build a better city that fitted the dimensions and persuasions of time.

All in all, pyramids have contributed to the modern world in more ways than one. Keeping time thousands of years ago was not as easy glancing down at your watch or checking your smartphone. Thus, pyramids are a marvelous mechanism by which civilization has benefitted from and one that modern people continue to appreciate to this day.