Teotihuacan

Definition

Teotihuacan was a major ancient Mesoamerican city located in the Basin of Mexico, known for its impressive urban layout, monumental architecture, and as a significant cultural and economic center from around 100 BCE to 650 CE. The city's influence extended throughout Mesoamerica, making it a key player in prehistoric trade networks and a focal point for population movements across the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Teotihuacan was one of the largest cities in the ancient world, reaching a population of possibly over 100,000 inhabitants at its peak.
2. The city's layout was highly organized with major avenues, such as the Avenue of the Dead, connecting important structures like temples and residential areas.
3. Teotihuacan was a hub for trade, with evidence showing that goods like obsidian, pottery, and textiles were exchanged with other Mesoamerican cultures.
4. Artistic influences from Teotihuacan spread throughout Mesoamerica, impacting later civilizations such as the Maya and Aztecs.
5. The reasons for Teotihuacan's decline around the 7th century CE remain debated, but factors may include resource depletion, social unrest, and climate change.

Review Questions

• How did Teotihuacan's urban planning contribute to its status as a major cultural and economic center in ancient Mesoamerica?
  • Teotihuacan's urban planning featured a grid-like layout with wide avenues and monumental structures that facilitated trade and social interaction. The strategic placement of significant buildings like the Pyramid of the Sun and religious temples allowed for both ceremonial activities and commercial exchanges to occur within a cohesive space. This organization not only enhanced the city's functionality but also attracted diverse populations, solidifying its role as a cultural melting pot.
• Discuss the impact of Teotihuacan on trade networks in Mesoamerica and how this influenced population movements.
  • Teotihuacan played a pivotal role in Mesoamerican trade networks, acting as a central hub where goods like obsidian, ceramics, and textiles were exchanged. Its strategic location allowed it to connect various regions, which facilitated not just the movement of products but also people seeking opportunities in trade or work. This dynamic environment encouraged migrations towards Teotihuacan as individuals moved to engage in commerce or partake in its rich cultural landscape.
• Evaluate the factors that contributed to the decline of Teotihuacan and how this decline reflects broader trends in ancient Mesoamerican societies.
  • The decline of Teotihuacan around the 7th century CE can be attributed to several intertwined factors such as resource depletion, internal strife, and possible climate change affecting agricultural productivity. This decline is reflective of broader trends observed in other ancient Mesoamerican societies where environmental pressures and social upheaval often led to significant transformations or collapses. As Teotihuacan waned, its influence on trade routes diminished, leading to shifts in population dynamics across Mesoamerica as people sought stability elsewhere.

Related terms

Pyramid of the Sun: One of the largest structures in Teotihuacan, it is a massive pyramid that served as a significant religious site and a focal point for ceremonial activities.

Mesoamerican Trade Networks: Complex systems of exchange that connected various ancient civilizations in Mesoamerica, facilitating the movement of goods, ideas, and people.

Urban Planning: The design and organization of city layouts, which in the case of Teotihuacan, included well-planned streets, residential complexes, and public spaces.