Teotihuacan

Definition

Teotihuacan was a significant ancient Mesoamerican city located in the Basin of Mexico, known for its impressive architecture, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. This city was one of the largest urban centers in the world during its peak, around 250-600 CE, and played a crucial role in the cultural and economic exchange among various Mesoamerican civilizations, reflecting advanced trade networks and urban planning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Teotihuacan reached its height around 250 to 600 CE, becoming one of the most influential urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica, with a population estimated between 100,000 to 200,000 inhabitants.
2. The city's layout was meticulously planned, featuring grid-like streets and monumental architecture that reflected advanced urban design principles.
3. Teotihuacan was a melting pot of cultures, where various ethnic groups coexisted, contributing to its rich tapestry of art and architecture.
4. Obsidian was a key trade item for Teotihuacan, which controlled significant sources of this volcanic glass, crucial for making tools and weapons.
5. The decline of Teotihuacan in the 7th century is still debated by scholars, with theories suggesting factors such as environmental changes, internal strife, or external invasions.

Review Questions

• How did the architectural features of Teotihuacan reflect its cultural significance in Mesoamerican civilization?
  • The architectural features of Teotihuacan, including the impressive Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the Avenue of the Dead, showcase the city's cultural significance as a religious and political center. These structures were not just monumental; they represented the beliefs and social hierarchy within Mesoamerican civilization. The careful urban planning evident in its grid-like streets also points to advanced organizational skills that facilitated both governance and trade.
• Discuss the role of Teotihuacan in establishing trade networks throughout Mesoamerica and how it influenced surrounding cultures.
  • Teotihuacan played a pivotal role in establishing trade networks throughout Mesoamerica by serving as a central hub where goods from various regions were exchanged. Its access to valuable resources like obsidian attracted traders from distant areas, facilitating cultural exchanges. This influence is seen in art styles and architectural practices adopted by other cultures that interacted with Teotihuacan's thriving economy and urban lifestyle.
• Evaluate the factors leading to the decline of Teotihuacan and its lasting impact on subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations.
  • The decline of Teotihuacan in the 7th century can be attributed to several interrelated factors such as potential environmental changes that may have affected agriculture, internal social unrest possibly stemming from resource distribution issues, and possible invasions from outside groups. This decline had significant implications for subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations; many adopted elements of Teotihuacan's culture while also moving toward new forms of governance and societal organization. The legacy of Teotihuacan’s urban planning and trade networks continued to influence regions long after its fall.

Related terms

Pyramid of the Sun: The largest structure in Teotihuacan, this pyramid is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies and offers a stunning view of the entire city from its summit.

Avenue of the Dead: A central thoroughfare in Teotihuacan lined with temples and ceremonial buildings, it served as a vital pathway for processions and trade within the city.

Mesoamerican Trade Networks: Systems of exchange that connected different regions and civilizations in Mesoamerica, facilitating the trade of goods like obsidian, textiles, and food products.