Street of the Dead

The "Street of the Dead" (Avenue of the Dead) is the main thoroughfare in the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacán, located near modern Mexico City. This wide avenue stretches 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and is oriented slightly east of true north, pointing towards the sacred peak of Cerro Gordo.1

Contrary to its name, the Avenue of the Dead was not lined with tombs. Instead, the low buildings flanking it were likely residences for nobles and priests. The city of Teotihuacán itself was a major economic and religious center, flourishing around 500 CE with an estimated population of 125,000 to 200,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the world at that time. The origins and language of the Teotihuacanos remain unknown, but their cultural influence spread widely throughout Mesoamerica.1