Teotihuacan

Definition

Teotihuacan was an ancient Mesoamerican city located in the Basin of Mexico, known for its monumental architecture and complex society that flourished from around 100 BCE to 750 CE. It is often recognized as one of the largest cities in the ancient world and played a crucial role in the development of cultural, economic, and religious practices in pre-Columbian America, influencing various civilizations that followed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Teotihuacan reached its peak around 500 CE, with an estimated population of over 100,000 people, making it one of the most populous cities in the world at that time.
2. The city featured advanced urban planning, with a grid layout and sophisticated drainage systems that supported its large population.
3. Teotihuacan was a major center for trade and commerce, facilitating exchanges of goods such as obsidian, textiles, and pottery across Mesoamerica.
4. Its cultural influence extended beyond its borders, impacting later civilizations such as the Toltecs and Aztecs, who regarded Teotihuacan as a sacred site.
5. The reasons for Teotihuacan's decline around the 8th century remain debated among scholars, but factors may include environmental changes, social unrest, or invasion.

Review Questions

• How did the urban planning of Teotihuacan reflect its societal organization?
  • Teotihuacan's urban planning showcased its societal organization through its grid layout and designated zones for residential, religious, and commercial activities. The Avenue of the Dead served as a central artery connecting major structures like the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. This careful planning indicates a complex society that prioritized both functionality and ceremonial significance in their urban environment.
• Discuss the significance of trade networks established by Teotihuacan in Mesoamerica.
  • Teotihuacan played a pivotal role in establishing extensive trade networks throughout Mesoamerica. It facilitated exchanges of valuable goods like obsidian, which was crucial for tool-making, textiles, and ceramics. These trade routes not only contributed to the city's economic prosperity but also helped spread cultural influences across different regions, fostering connections among diverse societies.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Teotihuacan on subsequent Mesoamerican cultures and societies.
  • Teotihuacan had a profound impact on later Mesoamerican cultures, particularly the Toltecs and Aztecs. Its architectural styles, religious practices, and urban planning principles were adopted and adapted by these civilizations. The reverence for Teotihuacan as a sacred site influenced religious practices in subsequent societies. Additionally, its decline prompted shifts in power dynamics that shaped Mesoamerican history for centuries to come.

Related terms

Pyramids of the Sun and Moon: Two of the largest structures in Teotihuacan, these pyramids served as significant religious and ceremonial sites and are central to the city's architectural legacy.

Avenue of the Dead: The main thoroughfare in Teotihuacan that connects important buildings and monuments, reflecting the city's urban planning and social organization.

Quetzalcoatl: A prominent Mesoamerican deity often associated with wind, air, and learning, whose worship was influential in Teotihuacan and later cultures.