Teotihuacan

Definition

Teotihuacan was a large pre-Columbian city located in the Basin of Mexico, known for its impressive architecture and urban planning, flourishing from around 100 BCE to 750 CE. This ancient city is notable for its influence on later Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Maya and the Aztec, showcasing advancements in art, architecture, and urban development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Teotihuacan was one of the largest cities in the ancient world, reaching a population of over 100,000 at its peak.
2. The city featured a grid layout with wide avenues, including the famous Avenue of the Dead, which connected major pyramids and temples.
3. Teotihuacan was known for its murals and pottery that depicted a rich mythology and daily life of its inhabitants.
4. Despite its great influence, Teotihuacan's original inhabitants remain largely unknown as the city had no clear ruling dynasty or records of its rulers.
5. The decline of Teotihuacan around the 8th century CE remains a subject of debate among scholars, with theories ranging from internal conflict to environmental factors.

Review Questions

• How did Teotihuacan's urban planning and architecture influence subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations?
  • Teotihuacan's urban planning and architectural designs set a standard for future Mesoamerican cities. Its grid layout and monumental structures, such as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, inspired later civilizations like the Aztec who modeled their own cities after Teotihuacan's impressive scale and organization. The innovative designs demonstrated advanced engineering techniques that influenced urban development throughout Mesoamerica.
• Evaluate the cultural significance of Teotihuacan within the context of Mesoamerican civilization during its height.
  • Teotihuacan served as a major cultural and economic hub during its peak, influencing trade, religion, and artistry across Mesoamerica. The city's complex religious beliefs were reflected in its numerous temples and pyramids dedicated to various deities, making it a pilgrimage site. The artistic legacy of Teotihuacan also spread through trade networks, impacting neighboring cultures such as the Maya and Aztec who adopted similar artistic styles and architectural elements.
• Synthesize information about Teotihuacan’s decline with its lasting impact on later civilizations in Mesoamerica.
  • The decline of Teotihuacan around the 8th century CE involved multiple factors including potential internal strife, resource depletion, and climate change. Despite its fall, Teotihuacan left a profound legacy that shaped subsequent civilizations. The Aztecs revered Teotihuacan as a place of great power and often sought to emulate its grandeur in their own cities. This legacy included not only architectural styles but also cultural practices that continued to influence Mesoamerican society long after Teotihuacan ceased to exist.

Related terms

Pyramid of the Sun: The largest structure in Teotihuacan, this pyramid is one of the largest in the world and served as a significant religious and ceremonial site.

Mesoamerica: A cultural region that extends from central Mexico to northern Central America, characterized by shared cultural traits among indigenous civilizations such as the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec.

Chinampas:

An agricultural innovation used by Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs, where small, floating gardens were created on lakes to increase crop yield.