Teotihuacan was an ancient Mesoamerican city located in the Basin of Mexico, known for its impressive architecture and urban planning. It flourished between 100 BCE and 750 CE, becoming one of the largest cities in the world at its peak, and significantly influenced later civilizations, including the Aztecs, who revered it as a place of great cultural and religious importance.
congrats on reading the definition of Teotihuacan. now let's actually learn it.
Teotihuacan was established around 100 BCE and reached its peak population of approximately 100,000 to 200,000 people around 500 CE.
The city was known for its grid-like layout, which included residential complexes, temples, and marketplaces, showcasing advanced urban planning.
Teotihuacan's economy was supported by agriculture, trade, and craft production, making it an influential economic center in Mesoamerica.
The city's two main avenues are the Avenue of the Dead and the Avenue of the Sun, leading to important structures like the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon.
Teotihuacan's decline around 750 CE is still debated among scholars, with theories suggesting factors like internal conflict, environmental changes, or shifts in trade routes.
Review Questions
How did Teotihuacan influence later civilizations in Mesoamerica?
Teotihuacan had a profound impact on later civilizations, particularly the Aztecs. They admired Teotihuacan’s monumental architecture and religious practices, seeing it as a sacred site. The city served as a model for urban planning and societal organization, which influenced how subsequent cultures built their cities and structured their societies.
Evaluate the significance of urban planning in Teotihuacan's development as a major cultural center.
Urban planning was critical to Teotihuacan’s success as a cultural center. The city featured a well-organized layout with distinct residential areas, ceremonial sites, and trade routes. This effective design facilitated social interaction among diverse groups and supported economic activities. Such planning not only enhanced the city's functionality but also reflected its complex social hierarchy and cultural values.
Analyze the potential causes behind the decline of Teotihuacan and discuss how this decline shaped subsequent Mesoamerican history.
The decline of Teotihuacan around 750 CE may have been caused by a combination of factors such as internal strife, resource depletion, or climatic changes affecting agriculture. This decline led to a power vacuum that allowed for the rise of new regional powers like the Toltecs. The transformation from Teotihuacan's centralized power to more fragmented political structures significantly shaped Mesoamerican history by creating a dynamic landscape where various cultures emerged and interacted.
The largest structure in Teotihuacan, the Pyramid of the Sun is a monumental pyramid that served as a center for religious ceremonies and symbolizes the city's architectural achievements.
A historical region and cultural area in North America, Mesoamerica encompasses parts of modern-day Mexico and Central America, known for its advanced pre-Columbian societies, including the Olmecs, Maya, and Aztecs.
A prominent deity in Mesoamerican culture, often associated with the wind and wisdom, Quetzalcoatl was worshipped in Teotihuacan and played a significant role in the mythology of later civilizations.