Summary of Teotihuacan: Where One Becomes a God

00:00:00 - 00:35:00

Teotihuacan was one of the largest pre-industrial cities in the world, and its influence can be seen in many later Mesoamerican cities. Today, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is threatened by development.

• 00:00:00 Teotihuacan was a great city in the Americas that was once home to a hundred thousand people. It is considered one of the largest pre-industrial cities in the ancient world. Its ruins are extraordinary and inspire complete awe to any visitor. Teotihuacan's legacy can be felt almost anywhere in Mesoamerica, as its design was influenced by the setting of the sun.
• 00:05:00 Teotihuacan was a large and densely populated city in ancient Mesoamerica, with an impressive layout that is still being studied today. The city was built on a grid system, with every family living in their own private compound. Many of the city's amenities, like its crafts and apartments, were created to accommodate the city's large and diverse population.
• 00:10:00 The Teotihuacan civilization was known for its large and complex pyramids, which were erected between 1 and 250 CE. There is some disagreement as to which pyramid was built first, but regardless, all the pyramids were built early in the city's history. The main difference between Teotihuacan's pyramids and those of other Mesoamerican civilizations is that Teotihuacan's are cut stone blocks, rather than being constructed from whole stone.
• 00:15:00 The largest and most elaborate pyramid at Teotihuacan is the Pyramid of the Sun, which was built in a single construction and is unique because it was dedicated to the water goddess Tlaloc. The top of the pyramid was botched when it was reconstructed in the early 20th century, revealing a tunnel carved to look like a cave. This tunnel was a man-made tunnel that was carved to look like a cave six and a half meters below the surface and over a hundred meters long. Caves are extremely important in Mesoamerican mythology, and this pyramid may have been used for ceremonies related to the sun god.
• 00:20:00 The Teotihuacan site in Mexico is known for its pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent, which is the smallest and youngest of the three. The excavations of this site have revealed a large, public ritual space that was used for ceremonies attended by tens of thousands of people.
• 00:25:00 The video discusses the theory that Teotihuacan was ruled by a king, but scholars disagree on which king it was. There is evidence that the city had military success in distant Maya regions. Yashnun Ein was not a foreigner, but was local to Muthal, the city he overthrew as king.
• 00:30:00 Teotihuacan was a major city in central Mexico that was noted for its impressive engineering, art, and wealth. Around 350-450 CE, Teotihuacan adopted a heavy-handed foreign policy, which led to its decline. By 550-650 CE, Teotihuacan's decline was complete and its population had dwindled. The city's decline was likely due to a number of factors, including drought, erosion, and deforestation. Teotihuacan's decline led to the spread of new cultural influences throughout Mesoamerica.
• 00:35:00 Teotihuacan was a major city in ancient Mesoamerica, and its influence can be seen in later cities. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, development continues to threaten the site, and it is important to protect it.