Sometime around 100 BCE, about 45 km from where Mexico City stands today, construction began on the spectacular city of Teotihuacan. It would become one of the largest and most influential urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica.

The history of the city is divided into six phases of development: Patlachique, Tzacualli, Miccaotli, Tlamimilolpa, Xolalpan, and Metepec. This division is based on stratigraphic data and ceramic styles characteristic of each period.

The exact time frames of these phases are uncertain because archaeological evidence is limited. Additionally, radiocarbon dating methods used so far have inherent imprecision, making it difficult to pinpoint precise boundaries between the developmental stages.

It is believed that a large settlement emerged at Teotihuacan’s site at the start of the first millennium BCE. Some of its earliest inhabitants may have come from the Olmec civilization. The name Teotihuacan means “the place where the gods touch the ground.”

Teotihuacan was considered sacred and attracted many people. According to legend, it was here that the gods of the sun and moon were born, and fundamental laws of the world were established, marking the city as a spiritual center.

In the 1st millennium BCE, this region experienced increased seismic activity. The inhabitants likely had to rebuild homes and temples several times. From the 5th century BCE, the settlement began to grow and develop rapidly into a thriving urban center.

By 300 BCE, the settlement had transformed into a true city. It was planned around a central axis, known as the “Avenue of the Dead,” and divided into four quarters with public buildings, temples, markets, palaces, and residences.

The entire territory of Teotihuacan was paved with gypsum slabs. City buildings had mica floors, while stone walls were decorated with painted scenes of mythology, rituals, and bas-reliefs, reflecting a rich cultural and religious life.

By 200 BCE, Teotihuacan had an extensive irrigation system, distributing water from lakes through canals. Its residents farmed the land and specialized in handicrafts, gaining fame as skilled potters, architects, and artists.

Thanks to its talented inhabitants, Teotihuacan transformed from a small village into a magnificent religious and cultural center. It became renowned throughout the region for its impressive architecture, artistic achievements, and the natural beauty surrounding the city.

Between 1 and 250 CE, the core of Teotihuacan was fully developed. This included the construction of the iconic Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, along with the Avenue of the Dead, which together formed the ceremonial and urban heart of the sprawling metropolis.

Constructing the Pyramid of the Sun involved about 20,000 workers over 30 years. Originally about 71 meters high, it now stands at 64.5 meters. Its base perimeter measures around 900 meters, making it one of the largest pyramids worldwide.

The Pyramid of the Sun ranks third among the biggest pyramids in the world. The smaller Pyramid of the Moon, around 42–46 meters tall, is situated on an elevated area so its top aligns roughly with the Pyramid of the Sun’s height.

It is believed that the Pyramid of the Moon was built before the Pyramid of the Sun. Both pyramids played a central role in Teotihuacan’s religious and ceremonial life, serving as important sites for rituals, offerings, and spiritual activities throughout the city’s history.

The Avenue of the Dead (Calle de Los Muertos, or Miccaotli in Nahuatl) is 40 meters wide and about 2.3 km long. Teotihuacan’s architecture features distinctive construction techniques such as the tablero, talud, and central staircases.

  • Tablero – rectangular plate with knockouts on the side surface, placed over talud
  • Talud – beveled ledge
  • Staircase – located in the center

From 200 to 500 CE, Teotihuacan became an empire, dominating Central Mexico. Its influence expanded southward, establishing control over the city of Kaminaljuyu, where they built a miniature replica of their capital as a southeastern outpost.

Teotihuacan’s influence expanded to Tikal and Uaxactun, which became protectorates under its control. Around 250 CE, Teotihuacan and Kaminaljuyu formed a significant trading alliance with Tikal, reinforcing political and economic ties in the region.

In 377 CE, the Teotihuacan army leader Siyah-Kak (“Born of Fire”) invaded the Maya lands, killing the ruler Chak Tok Ich’aak (“Great Jaguar Paw”) and installing a Teotihuacan-backed king known as the “Owl Spearthrower.”

His young son, Nun Yax Ayin (“Green Crocodile”), was placed on the throne of Mutul (Tikal) in 378 CE, establishing a new dynasty. Historians continue to debate the accuracy of this theory about the true origins of Tikal’s ruling lineage during that time.

At its peak around 400 CE, Teotihuacan’s population ranged from 85,000 to 200,000, covering an area of 21–30 square kilometers. It was the sixth-largest city in the world during that period, a major cultural and economic center.

By 500 CE, Tikal was inhabited by people strongly influenced by Teotihuacan. They introduced new customs, rituals, and sacrificial practices that reshaped and transformed local traditions, deeply impacting the culture of the region.

By the late 6th century CE, Teotihuacan began to decline rapidly. Its control and influence over the Maya cities weakened significantly, marking the gradual and irreversible end of its political and cultural dominance in Central Mexico.

By the early 7th century CE, Teotihuacan had lost control of Central Mexico. Between 600 and 650 CE, the city was conquered, then burned and destroyed, most likely by nomadic Chichimeca peoples from the north, ending its era of prominence permanently.

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