Teotihuacan

Definition

Teotihuacan was a major ancient Mesoamerican city located in the Basin of Mexico, known for its vast urban layout, impressive architecture, and significant cultural influence from around 100 BCE to 550 CE. This city is often referred to as the 'City of the Gods' due to its monumental structures, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which attracted diverse populations and served as a center for trade, religion, and politics in pre-Columbian America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Teotihuacan reached its peak population around 500 CE, housing an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 residents, making it one of the largest cities in the ancient world.
2. The city's layout included a grid system with wide avenues, such as the Avenue of the Dead, and residential complexes that indicate a high level of urban planning.
3. Teotihuacan was a multi-ethnic city, with evidence suggesting that it was home to diverse groups who contributed to its rich culture and economy through trade and craftsmanship.
4. Despite its influence and size, Teotihuacan's decline began around 550 CE due to possible internal strife, resource depletion, or invasion, leading to the eventual abandonment of the city.
5. The artistic and architectural legacy of Teotihuacan continued to influence later civilizations in Mesoamerica, particularly the Aztecs who revered the site as a sacred place.

Review Questions

• How did Teotihuacan exemplify urbanization during its peak period?
  • Teotihuacan exemplified urbanization through its sophisticated city layout featuring a grid system and extensive public spaces such as plazas and ceremonial centers. The presence of monumental architecture like the Pyramid of the Sun and well-planned residential areas suggests a high level of organization and governance. This urban development attracted diverse populations for trade and cultural exchange, marking it as a significant hub in Mesoamerica.
• Discuss the significance of trade in shaping Teotihuacan's economy and cultural landscape.
  • Trade played a crucial role in shaping Teotihuacan's economy and cultural landscape by enabling interactions with distant regions. The city's strategic location allowed it to become a major trading center where goods such as obsidian, textiles, and pottery were exchanged. This economic activity facilitated not only wealth accumulation but also cultural diffusion, as artisans from various regions contributed unique styles and technologies that enriched Teotihuacan's identity.
• Evaluate the factors that may have contributed to the decline of Teotihuacan and its legacy in subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations.
  • The decline of Teotihuacan can be attributed to multiple factors including possible internal conflicts, environmental stress from resource depletion, and potential invasions. As social cohesion weakened and resources became scarce, urban life deteriorated leading to abandonment. Despite its decline, Teotihuacan's legacy endured as it profoundly influenced later civilizations like the Aztecs who viewed it as a sacred site. The architectural styles and cultural practices established during Teotihuacan’s height continued to resonate throughout Mesoamerican history.

Related terms

Pyramid of the Sun: The largest structure in Teotihuacan, believed to be a site for religious rituals and offering ceremonies, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Teotihuacans.

Mesoamerica:

A region that includes parts of Mexico and Central America where pre-Columbian cultures developed, characterized by complex societies, agriculture, and urban centers like Teotihuacan.

Chinampas: An agricultural technique used by Mesoamerican civilizations involving floating gardens that maximized crop yield in swampy areas, contributing to urbanization in places like Teotihuacan.