Teotihuacan

Definition

Teotihuacan was an ancient Mesoamerican city that flourished between 100 BCE and 750 CE, known for its monumental architecture, complex urban layout, and rich cultural life. As one of the largest cities in the pre-Columbian Americas, Teotihuacan played a crucial role in the development of later Mesoamerican civilizations, influencing trade, culture, and religious practices across the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Teotihuacan was at its peak around 500 CE, with an estimated population of 100,000 to 200,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the world at that time.
2. The city's layout was highly organized, featuring a grid-like pattern that reflects advanced urban planning and social organization.
3. Teotihuacan is known for its extensive trade networks that connected it to distant regions, allowing for the exchange of goods such as obsidian, textiles, and pottery.
4. Religious and cultural practices in Teotihuacan included worship of a variety of deities, with evidence of rituals involving fire and offerings made at pyramids and temples.
5. The decline of Teotihuacan around 750 CE is still debated among scholars, but factors such as internal conflict, resource depletion, and environmental changes likely played a role.

Review Questions

• How did the urban planning of Teotihuacan reflect its societal structure and cultural priorities?
  • The urban planning of Teotihuacan was meticulously organized, featuring a grid layout that indicated a high level of social order and governance. Major structures like the Pyramid of the Sun and the Avenue of the Dead served not only as religious centers but also as symbols of power and community identity. This planning suggests that the society valued both civic engagement and religious devotion, with architecture reflecting their cultural priorities.
• Discuss the significance of trade in the economy and culture of Teotihuacan and its impact on surrounding regions.
  • Trade was essential to the economy of Teotihuacan, facilitating connections with other Mesoamerican cultures through extensive networks. The exchange of goods like obsidian and textiles not only bolstered economic prosperity but also allowed for cultural exchanges that influenced neighboring civilizations. This trade network contributed to Teotihuacan's status as a central hub for commerce and culture in ancient Mesoamerica.
• Evaluate the reasons behind the decline of Teotihuacan around 750 CE and its implications for future Mesoamerican civilizations.
  • The decline of Teotihuacan around 750 CE resulted from multiple interrelated factors including potential internal strife, resource depletion due to environmental stressors, and social unrest. These issues may have weakened the city's influence and led to its eventual abandonment. The collapse of such a pivotal city altered trade routes and political dynamics in Mesoamerica, paving the way for new powers to rise, including the Maya and later Aztec civilizations.

Related terms

Pyramid of the Sun: The largest structure in Teotihuacan, this massive pyramid is one of the most significant architectural achievements of the city and served as a central focal point for religious activities.

Avenue of the Dead: A major thoroughfare in Teotihuacan that stretches for over two kilometers, lined with important buildings and monuments, reflecting the city's urban planning and ceremonial significance.

Mesoamerican Ballgame: A ceremonial game played by various Mesoamerican cultures, including those in Teotihuacan, that held religious significance and often involved elaborate rituals.