A Vast Urban Center: Teotihuacan, northeast of today’s Mexico City, was once one of the largest cities in the ancient world, reaching its peak between AD 100 and 650. Covering an area of about 8 square miles, it was a major economic, political, and cultural hub in Mesoamerica.
The Pyramid of the Sun: Standing 216 feet tall, the Pyramid of the Sun is one of the largest pyramids in the world. Its exact purpose remains a mystery, but it is believed to have been a significant religious site, possibly dedicated to a sun deity.
The Avenue of the Dead: This central avenue runs for about 1.5 miles through the heart of Teotihuacan, lined with impressive ceremonial structures, plazas, and residential complexes. It culminates at the Pyramid of the Moon, another major monument of the city.
Complex Society: Teotihuacan had a highly organized society with distinct residential compounds, each housing people of different social classes and occupations. The city’s layout demonstrates advanced urban planning and the ability to sustain a large, diverse population.
Mysterious Decline: Around the 7th or 8th century, Teotihuacan experienced a sudden decline. Theories about its collapse include internal strife, resource depletion, and external invasions. Despite its fall, Teotihuacan’s influence persisted, impacting other Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs, who revered it as a sacred site.
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