Teotihuacan

Definition

Teotihuacan was a major ancient Mesoamerican city located in the Basin of Mexico, known for its impressive urban planning and monumental architecture. As one of the largest cities in the world during its peak around 100-650 AD, it played a crucial role in the cultural and political landscape of Mesoamerica, influencing later civilizations, including the Maya. The site's layout, characterized by its grid pattern, large avenues, and distinct pyramids, reflects sophisticated principles of urban design that were significant in shaping Maya city planning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Teotihuacan was established around 200 BC and became one of the largest urban centers in pre-Columbian Americas by the first half of the first millennium AD.
2. The city was laid out in a grid pattern with a focus on the Avenue of the Dead, which was a key feature that influenced other Mesoamerican cities, including those built by the Maya.
3. Teotihuacan's architecture features large pyramids, notably the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which were aligned with astronomical events and served ceremonial purposes.
4. The city is thought to have been a multi-ethnic hub, attracting people from various regions due to its economic prosperity and strategic location.
5. Although Teotihuacan's decline began around 650 AD, its architectural style and urban planning significantly impacted the subsequent development of Maya cities.

Review Questions

• How did the urban layout of Teotihuacan influence subsequent Maya city planning?
  • The urban layout of Teotihuacan introduced principles such as grid planning and a central thoroughfare, which were later adopted by Maya cities. The emphasis on organizing spaces for both residential and ceremonial purposes set a precedent for how Maya cities structured their environments. The Avenue of the Dead, for example, became a model for organizing important buildings within urban areas in Maya culture.
• Discuss the significance of monumental architecture in Teotihuacan and its impact on later Mesoamerican civilizations.
  • Monumental architecture in Teotihuacan, including grand pyramids and expansive plazas, symbolized both religious significance and socio-political power. Structures like the Pyramid of the Sun not only served ceremonial functions but also demonstrated engineering prowess. This architectural style influenced later civilizations, including the Maya, who incorporated similar monumental designs into their own urban centers as a means of expressing their cultural identity and authority.
• Evaluate how Teotihuacan's economic and cultural exchange contributed to its status as a major urban center in ancient Mesoamerica.
  • Teotihuacan's role as a major urban center can be evaluated through its extensive trade networks and cultural exchanges with surrounding regions. Its strategic location allowed it to become an economic hub where goods such as obsidian, textiles, and ceramics were traded. This influx of resources attracted diverse populations from various cultural backgrounds, fostering an environment rich in artistic expression and innovation that influenced not only nearby cultures but also far-reaching civilizations like the Maya.

Related terms

Avenue of the Dead:

A central thoroughfare in Teotihuacan that runs through the city and is lined with significant architectural structures, including temples and pyramids.

Pyramid of the Sun: One of the largest structures at Teotihuacan, believed to be used for religious and ceremonial purposes, showcasing the city's monumental architecture.

Maya Civilization: An ancient civilization that thrived in Mesoamerica, particularly in present-day Mexico and Central America, known for its advanced culture, including writing, art, and architecture.