Teotihuacan, located in the Basin of Central Mexico, was one of the largest urban centers in the ancient world, believed to have been established around 100 BC. It grew into a vibrant metropolis with a diverse population drawn from across Mesoamerica. The city flourished from about the first to the seventh century AD, during which time it became a powerful and influential cultural, economic, and political center, exerting its influence across much of the Mesoamerican region.
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Teotihuacan is notable for its grand architectural complexes, broad avenues, and monumental pyramids. Its main artery, the Street of the Dead, links the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, the Pyramid of the Sun, and the Pyramid of the Moon. The Pyramid of the Sun is the third largest pyramid in the world and one of the most impressive architectural achievements of the city. The city's architecture reflects a sophisticated knowledge of engineering, mathematics, and astronomy, and its layout is thought to be cosmologically significant.
Teotihuacan was a major religious center. The city's architecture and art reflect a complex cosmology, with the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon aligned with the rising and setting of the sun, moon, and certain stars at specific times of the year. The city was dedicated to the worship of multiple gods, including the Storm God, the Great Goddess, and the Feathered Serpent. It was seen as a sacred place where the gods had created the universe, and its name translates to 'the place where the gods were created'.
Teotihuacan's legacy is enduring. Its influence can be seen in the architectural and artistic traditions of later Mesoamerican civilizations, and its mysterious origins and grand scale continue to captivate scholars and the public alike. Its pyramids, palaces, and mural paintings are invaluable resources for the study of Mesoamerican civilization, shedding light on its political, economic, and religious systems.
Despite its historical significance, much about Teotihuacan remains a mystery, including who its builders were and what led to its decline. The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan is almost as large as the Great Pyramid of Egypt. The city was home to multi-story apartment compounds which housed diverse groups of people, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan nature. Shockingly, none of the major structures in the city have been found to contain a single image of a reigning monarch, a stark contrast to other Mesoamerican cultures.
