The ancient Site of Teotihuacán is a UNESCO site in Mexico. It is considered a model of urbanization and large-scale planning, which greatly influenced the conceptions of contemporary and subsequent cultures.
Origins of Teotihuacán
The origins of Teotihuacán date to 150 B.C. It is considered the birthplace of the gods. The Valley of Mexico was a fertile highland and Teotihuacan arose as a power in the Valley of Mexico.
Teotihuacán was built on an ancient sacred site and considered a major religious center. Due to the lack of historic sources, its original name and ethnic group are not known. As there are components of different cultures including Maya, Zapotec, and Mixtec, Teotihuacán could have been the site of the first great multiethnic empire of Mesoamerica.
Hence, a magnificent city was laid out. The builders laid out the city to align with the important sacred peak Cerro Gordo (Fat Mountain). The urban planning also integrated the San Juan River. They built square and rectangular platforms and oriented buildings and complexes on a main north-south reference axis.
Structures like the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (Temple of the Plumed Serpent) of ancient Mexico, are pre-urban structures that stand out. One characteristic of its architecture is the “talud-tablero”. This became a distinctive feature of the Teotihuacan culture.
The inhabitants thrived through trade and the population of Teotihuacan grew rapidly. Many artisans and traders lived and worked in the city.
Between 400-600 A.D., the city lived its maximum splendor. The great painted murals pertain to this time. Thousands of apartment buildings were built between 300 to 500 A.D. These were built in compounds for about 100 people and grouped by relationship or craft.
By 500 A.D., it is believed that there were as many as 200,000 inhabitants. The city covered more than 8 square miles. At its height, Teotihuacan was the sixth-largest city in the entire world. In Mesoamerica, it was one of the principal political and commercial centers and its influence was far-reaching.
The influence of Teotihuacan was exerted over the whole of the central region of Mexico, Yucatán, and as far away as Guatemala. Later Mesoamericans were awed by its architecture. The Aztecs often visited the site and took artefacts.
As an outstanding example of a ceremonial center, its unique sacred monuments and places of worship include the Pyramids of the Sun, the Moon and Quetzalcoatl and the Palaces of Quetzalmariposa, the Jaguars, of Yayahuala and others. All of these are aligned with the immense Avenue of the Dead.
Downfall of Teotihuacán
As a result of the manufacture of the mortar and stucco used in the fine buildings, inhabitants of Teotihuacan laid waste in large areas of the countryside. Scientists believe this may have reduced the amount of agricultural land. Severe drought or natural disaster during a food shortage may have been too much for the inhabitants.
As life became unsustainable, part of the city was torched.
Towards 650 A.D, destruction of the city followed. Around 750 A.D. many of the buildings were set on fire and the city abandoned.
Teotihuacán Residential Areas
Teotihuacán was more than a ceremonial center. The residential areas were located in the architectural complexes of Tetitla, La Ventilla, Atetelco, and Tepantitla.
These residential areas are located around the ceremonial center. They are open to the public. Many of the palaces are decorated with well-preserved murals.
It is recommended to hire a licensed guide here as well.
Legacy of Teotihuacán
At its height, the influence Teotihuacan had on Mesoamerica left an enduring legacy. It was a very important city in the heart of Mexico and was a prototype of the empires of a later Postclassic period.
The ruins are infused with legend. The Aztec name of Teotihuacán means “the place where gods were created”. According to writings from the 16th century, practices by the Aztecs on the site attested to the endurance of beliefs, which made Teotihuacan an exceptional sacred place.
In reference to the art of Teotihuacan, it was the most developed among classic civilizations in Mexico. The Pyramid of the Sun was built on 350 m², is 75m high, and measures 225mx222 m at the base, a strict layout based on cosmic harmony.
The ensemble of both pyramids represents a unique artistic achievement. They are considered among the most architecturally significant pyramids built in that time period of Mesoamerica.
Considered a model of urbanization and large-scale planning, Teotihuacan greatly influenced subsequent and contemporary cultures.
Lastly, Teotihuacán is one the archaeological sites with the longest history of exploration in Mexico. Since 1962, archaeological research has been coordinated by the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). The site receives maintenance, conservation, and protection, yet requires preventive conservation and monitoring. One serious threat is the urban development around the site.
Visit Teotihuacán
The site of Teotihuacán was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mexico.
Teotihuacán is located 30 miles northeast from present-day Mexico City.
It is recommended that you start your tour at gate 1. From gate 1you can walk along the Avenue of the Dead. This is a huge causeway about 2 miles long. Along the avenue you will see the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, the Temple of Agriculture, and the Temple of the Feathered Snails.
Also, Tepantitla, Atetelco, Tetitla, and La Ventanilla are architectural structures along the Avenue of the Dead.
If you plan to visit Teotihuacán, equip yourself with water, sunscreen, and a hat or cap. The sun beats down at Teotihuacán. Take precautions against dehydration and heat stroke.
Take snacks, unless you plan to eat at one of the many restaurants.
Bring:
- sunscreen
- cap or hat
- snacks
- water or hydrating drinks
- comfortable clothes and shoes
Make sure you read up on Teotihuacán beforehand. You can also discover the site by hiring one of the archaeologist guides from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
Avoid weekends and holidays. The spring equinox is when the archaeological zone receives the most visitors throughout the year.
Tripods are not allowed. Professional videos and photography require written permission issued by the corresponding authorities.
Drones are not allowed.
View Teotihuacán from a hot air balloon
The sheer size of the ancient city means that there are impressive numbers of people.
Author: AllMexico.store
References
Teotihuacan: City of Water, City of Fire
