Teotihuacan

“Teotihuacan, located in the Basin of Central Mexico, was the largest, most influential, and certainly most revered city in the history of the New World, and it flourished in Mesoamerica's Golden Age, the Classic Period of the first millennium CE.” ("Teotihuacan."). 125,000-150,000 inhabitants occupied Teotihuacan at the height of its power around 450 C.E., and it was one of the largest ancient urban centers during its time. Teotihuacan is known for its modern city layout (grid pattern) that contains a long boulevard (known as the Avenue of the Dead), and some of the largest buildings ever erected in the New World. The largest buildings (pyramids) were dedicated to the Sun and Moon and to Quetzalcoatl. These pyramids date back to 200 C.E.,
The city benefitted from irrigation systems that channeled a plentiful supply of spring water, drained swamps, and built terraces for farming purposes. The elite organized these new labor resources, and expanded the use of chinampas (floating gardens). Teotihuacan not only benefitted from expanded labor resources, but from valuable obsidian deposits found nearby. The obsidian was “… used to manufacture vast quantities of spear and dart heads and which were also a basis of trade.” ("Teotihuacan."). Other than obsidian, exotic trade goods were also found in the remnants of Teotihuacan. Some other trade goods that were found were shells, cotton, salt, feathers, turtle, fish, and even crocodile – which is an indicator that Teotihuacan was a major commercial center, but how was it
high). Construction of the pyramid started around 100 C.E., and it was built without modern technological advances, like metal tools, pack animals, and the wheel. It was built out of a large force of manpower and stone tools. The pyramid was painted over with colorful murals and paintings, with depictions of jaguars, stars, and snake rattles. Some scholars believe that the pyramid’s orientation may be in accordance with celestial patterns, as evidence suggests that the inhabitants of Teotihuacan did have knowledge of mathematical and astronomical sciences. However, this has yet to be proven. The Pyramid of the Moon, smaller in size, is at the northern end of the avenue. Human and animal sacrificial remains, along with grave goods, were found in the pyramid itself. “One of the most significant tombs yet discovered at Teotihuacan, it might indicate that even more important tombs lie buried at the heart of the pyramid.” (Department of Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the