Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan, located in the Valley of Mexico, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. The name Teotihuacan, derived from the Nahuatl language, means "the place where the gods were created" or "the city of the gods." This ancient city was at its height between 100 BCE and 650 CE, playing a central role in the cultural, political, and economic life of the region.
History and Development
- Foundation: The origins of Teotihuacan are somewhat mysterious, with archaeological evidence suggesting that the city began as a small village around 400 BCE.
- Urbanization: By 150 CE, Teotihuacan had transformed into a major urban center with monumental architecture, including the Pyramid of the Sun, which is one of the largest pyramid structures in the world.
- Peak: The city reached its peak population around 450-650 CE, with estimates of the population reaching up to 125,000 or even 200,000, making it one of the largest cities in the world at that time.
- Decline: The reasons for the decline of Teotihuacan are not entirely clear, but it experienced a significant fire and destruction around 650 CE, which might have been due to internal strife, external invasion, or environmental factors like drought.
Architecture and Layout
- Pyramids: The city is famous for its massive pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, also known as the Feathered Serpent Pyramid.
- Avenue of the Dead: This central thoroughfare runs from the Moon Plaza to the Citadel and is lined with numerous temples, platforms, and residential compounds.
- Citadel: Enclosing the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, this complex was likely a center for political and religious activities.
Culture and Society
- Art and Religion: Teotihuacan's art reflects a complex cosmology, with murals and sculptures depicting deities, rituals, and the city's hierarchical structure. The worship of various gods, including Quetzalcoatl, was central to its religious life.
- Trade and Economy: The city was a major hub of trade, with goods coming from as far away as Maya regions to the south and the American Southwest to the north.
- Social Structure: Teotihuacan had a clear class structure, with elites living in large compounds and the commoners in smaller, often multi-family dwellings.
External Links
Related Topics