Teotihuacan Flashcards
1
Q
Teotihuacan
A
Ancient Mesoamerican city in Mexico.
2
Q
Location
A
40 km northeast of modern Mexico City.
3
Q
Pyramids
A
Architecturally significant structures
4
Q
Population
A
Estimated 125
5
Q
Area
A
Covered eight square miles (21 km²).
6
Q
Cultural Significance
A
Home to multi-family residential compounds.
7
Q
Avenue of the Dead
A
Main thoroughfare of Teotihuacan.
8
Q
Obsidian Tools
A
Exported fine tools found throughout Mesoamerica.
9
Q
Establishment
A
Founded around 100 BCE.
10
Q
Major Monuments
A
Constructed until about 250 CE.
11
Q
Collapse
A
Occurred between 7th and 8th centuries CE.
12
Q
Sacking
A
Major monuments burned around 550 CE.
13
Q
Extreme Weather Events
A
Linked to collapse in 535-536 CE.
14
Q
Religious Center
A
Began as a religious hub in the first century.
15
Q
Multi-Ethnic Society
A
Inhabitants included Nahua
16
Q
Cultural Influence
A
Impact seen in Veracruz and Maya regions.
17
Q
Aztec Connection
A
Later Aztecs claimed ancestry with Teotihuacanos.
18
Q
UNESCO World Heritage Site
A
Designated in 1987 for its historical significance.
19
Q
Visitor Statistics
A
Most-visited site in Mexico
20
Q
Etymology
A
Name means ‘birthplace of the gods’ in Nahuatl.
21
Q
Nahuatl Language
A
Language spoken by Aztecs
22
Q
Cultural Complex
A
Refers to the civilization associated with Teotihuacan.
23
Q
Regional Powers
A
Post-collapse dominance by Xochicalco and Tula.
24
Q
Nahuatl Orthographic Conventions
A
Rules governing Nahuatl written accent placement.
25
Teotihuacan Pronunciation
Spanish pronunciation: [te.otiwaˈkan]
26
Puh
Maya term meaning 'Place of Reeds'.
27
Tollan
Generic Nahua term for large settlements.
28
Teotihuacan Name Change
Possibly altered by Spanish colonizers in 16th century.
29
Teohuacan
Means 'City of the Sun' in Nahuatl.
30
First Human Settlement
Established in Teotihuacan area around 600 BCE.
31
Estimated Population (600 BCE)
Approximately 6
32
Period I (200 - 1 BCE)
Development of urban area around abundant springs.
33
Period II (1 - 350 CE)
Explosive growth; largest metropolis in Mesoamerica.
34
Monumental Architecture
Notable construction during Period II
35
Temple of the Feathered Serpent
Key political and religious structure in Teotihuacan.
36
Avenue of the Dead Complex
Shifted political power center between CE 250-350.
37
Period III (350 - 650 CE)
Classical period; peak influence in Mesoamerica.
38
Urban Housing Reorganization
Adaptation to influx of new residents in Period II.
39
Egalitarian Construction
Focus on comfortable stone accommodations post-300 CE.
40
Volcanic Eruptions
Destruction of settlements influenced Teotihuacan's growth.
41
Cultural Influence
Teotihuacan's impact spread throughout broader Mesoamerica.
42
Hieroglyphic Texts
Ancient writings referencing Teotihuacan as 'puh'.
43
Teotihuacan's Hieroglyphs
Indicate its significance in Maya civilization.
44
Classic Period
Time of cultural and political peak for Teotihuacan.
45
Population Growth Factors
Economic pull and destruction of rival settlements.
46
Teotihuacan
Ancient Mesoamerican city with 125
47
Primate City
Dominant urban center influencing surrounding areas.
48
Temple of the Feathered Serpent
Richly decorated temple from Teotihuacan's high period.
49
Funeral Masks
Artistic artifacts made from green stone and mosaics.
50
Period IV
Timeframe from 650 to 750 CE
51
Avenue of the Dead
Main thoroughfare lined with elite housing compounds.
52
Civil Strife
Internal conflict contributing to Teotihuacan's decline.
53
Tributary Relations
Economic dependencies affecting city stability.
54
Social Stratification
Class divisions impacting societal structure.
55
Founders of Teotihuacan
Origins remain uncertain; possibly multi-ethnic.
56
Chinampas
Raised agricultural beds enhancing productivity.
57
Pyramid of the Sun
Largest pyramid
58
Xitle Volcano
Eruption possibly caused migration to Teotihuacan.
59
Toltec Civilization
Later culture mistakenly attributed as founders.
60
Late Formative Era
Period before Teotihuacan's rise
61
Mesoamerican Urbanization
Early settlements formed around 300 BCE.
62
Canoe Traffic
Transport method for food around Teotihuacan.
63
Zapotec and Mixtec
Cultures contributing to Teotihuacan's diverse heritage.
64
Archaeological Evidence
Lack of dynastic rulers in Teotihuacan artifacts.
65
Ruins by Aztecs
Teotihuacan already in decline during Aztec era.
66
Cultural Aspects
Diverse influences from various Mesoamerican peoples.
67
Building Reconstruction
Massive efforts to rebuild during Teotihuacan's peak.
68
Collective Governance
Leadership structure involving shared decision-making.
69
Sihyaj K'ahk'
Warlord who conquered Tikal in 378 CE.
70
Feathered-Serpent
Cultural symbol associated with Teotihuacan.
71
Coup d'état
Overthrow of a government or ruler.
72
K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo'
First king of Copán's ruling dynasty.
73
Copán
Ancient Maya city in modern Honduras.
74
Quiriguá
Maya city established by Copán's dynasty.
75
Zenith
Peak period of Teotihuacan's cultural influence.
76
30 km²
Area covered by Teotihuacan at its peak.
77
150
0
78
250
0
79
Mesoamerican Region
Cultural area encompassing central Mexico to Guatemala.
80
Cultural Interactions
Exchanges between Teotihuacan and Maya centers.
81
Teotihuacan-inspired Ideologies
Cultural motifs influenced by Teotihuacan.
82
Talud-tablero
Architectural style featuring sloping sides and panels.
83
Red Paint
Common decorative element in Teotihuacan architecture.
84
Political Dominance
Control exerted by one state over another.
85
Cultural Diffusion
Spread of cultural traits between societies.
86
Terminal Preclassic
Period before the Classic era in Mesoamerica.
87
Mid-Classic Period
Timeframe when Teotihuacan's influence peaked.
88
Toltec and Aztec
Later empires influenced by Teotihuacan.
89
Petén Basin
Region in Guatemala with significant Maya sites.
90
Iconographic Motifs
Symbolic images used in art and architecture.
91
Talud-tablero style
Architectural style prevalent in Mesoamerica.
92
Preclassic period
Era before the Classic period in Mesoamerican history.
93
Teotihuacan
Ancient Mesoamerican city known for its pyramids.
94
Obsidian artifacts
Tools and objects made from volcanic glass.
95
Spearthrower Owl
Ruler of Teotihuacan for over 60 years.
96
Maya inscriptions
Written records detailing interactions with Teotihuacan.
97
Wagner Murals
Famous murals related to Teotihuacan's artistry.
98
Civic structures
Public buildings central to Teotihuacan's urban life.
99
Avenue of the Dead
Main thoroughfare in Teotihuacan
100
Population decline
Decrease in Teotihuacan's inhabitants starting around the 6th century.
101
Ilopango volcano
Volcano in El Salvador linked to climate changes.
102
Malnutrition evidence
Signs of poor nutrition found in juvenile skeletons.
103
Agricultural crops
Maize
104
Ecological decline
Environmental degradation affecting Teotihuacan's sustainability.
105
Internal unrest hypothesis
Theory suggesting internal conflict led to Teotihuacan's decline.
106
Drought theory
Climate change causing crop failures and famine.
107
Cholula
Nearby center that rose after Teotihuacan's decline.
108
Xochicalco
City that emerged as Teotihuacan lost power.
109
Cacaxtla
Site competing for influence after Teotihuacan's fall.
110
Eclectic motifs
Diverse artistic styles blending various Mesoamerican influences.
111
Classic period
Time of cultural flourishing in Mesoamerica.
112
Epi-Classic period
Period following the Classic
113
Mesoamerican city-states
Independent urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica.
114
Classic Maya collapse
A series of events leading to Maya state decline.
115
Xochicalco
City sacked and burned in 900 CE.
116
Tula
City destroyed around 1150 CE.
117
Nahua migrants
People who repopulated the area in 1200s CE.
118
Huexotla
Region that controlled area by 1300s CE.
119
Tlatoani
Ruler or king in Nahua culture.
120
Huetzin
Tlatoani of Huexotla
121
Tezozomoc
Tlatoani of Azcapotzalco who invaded Huexotla.
122
Totomochtzin
Installed ruler by Tezozomoc after Huetzin.
123
Aztec Empire
Formed in 1427
124
Teotihuacan
Multi-ethnic city
125
Totonac language
Language likely spoken in Teotihuacan.
126
Nahua language
Language of the Aztecs
127
Mount Xitle
Volcano whose eruption displaced Cuicuilco's population.
128
Cuicuilco
Rival city to Teotihuacan
129
Eruption of Popocatepetl
Earlier eruption causing agricultural degradation.
130
Tzacualli phase
Period of population growth in Teotihuacan (1-150 CE).
131
Miccaotli phase
Period when Teotihuacan's population peaked (c. 200 CE).
132
Totonacan ethnic group
Linguistic group influential in Teotihuacan.
133
Mixe-Zoquean languages
Languages contributing to Mesoamerican linguistic diversity.
134
Teotihuacan social classes
Three classes: high elites
135
Avenue of the Dead
Main thoroughfare in Teotihuacan
136
Teotihuacan Murals
Art depicting nature
137
Storm God Deity
A prominent god represented in Teotihuacan art.
138
Great Goddess
Primary deity of Teotihuacan
139
Feathered Serpent
Important deity linked to the Feathered Serpent Pyramid.
140
War Serpent
A serpent deity differentiated from the Feathered Serpent.
141
Netted Jaguar
Symbolic figure in Teotihuacan religious iconography.
142
Pulque God
Deity associated with the alcoholic beverage pulque.
143
Fat God
Figurine-associated deity linked to household rituals.
144
Flayed God
Deity known from figurines
145
Neighborhood Centers
Apartment complexes serving as economic and cultural hubs.
146
Craftworkers
Skilled laborers contributing to Teotihuacan's economy.
147
Economic Competition
Internal rivalry among neighborhoods enhancing productivity.
148
Textile Trade
Primary traded item indicating economic specialization.
149
Archaeological Evidence
Physical remains indicating past societal practices.
150
Craftsmanship
Skills in painting
151
Rural Population
Lower class living on city periphery.
152
Immigration Impact
Diversity in goods due to Mesoamerican migration.
153
Physical Barriers
Structures separating neighborhood centers in Teotihuacan.
154
Material Evidence
Imported pottery and raw materials found on-site.
155
Religious Leaders
Political figures also serving as spiritual authorities.
156
Civic Architecture
Dominant structures like pyramids reflecting religious significance.
157
Art Commissioning
Religious leaders hiring artists for ceremonial artworks.
158
Teotihuacan Stratification
Social hierarchy among laboring classes and elites.
159
Mural
Artwork depicting religious themes
160
Censer
Container for burning incense during rituals.
161
Great Goddess of Teotihuacan
Major deity worshipped in Teotihuacan culture.
162
Feathered Serpent
Important god symbolizing fertility and warfare.
163
Human Sacrifice
Ritual offering of humans to deities.
164
Ritual Sacrifice
Ceremonial killing to appease gods.
165
Decapitation
Beheading
166
Heart Removal
Common practice in sacrificial rituals.
167
Burial Alive
Method of sacrifice involving live entombment.
168
Teotihuacan Population
One of the largest in ancient Mexico.
169
60
000-80
170
100
0
171
200
0
172
Teopancazco
Neighborhood indicating multiethnic composition.
173
Infant Mortality Rate
High rate indicating population sustainability issues.
174
Perinatal Skeletons
Remains suggesting high infant mortality.
175
Oxygen Isotope Ratio Testing
Determines where an individual grew up.
176
Strontium Isotope Ratio Testing
Identifies birthplace and residence at death.
177
Multiethnic City
City characterized by diverse ethnic groups.
178
Artifacts
Objects used or created by a culture.
179
Burial Practices
Customs surrounding the interment of the dead.
180
Population Influx
Increase in population from outside migration.
181
Tlailotlacan
Neighborhood of migrants from Oaxaca region.
182
Oxygen isotope ratio testing
Analyzes migration patterns and cultural heritage.
183
Barrio de Los Comerciantes
Merchants' neighborhood with distinct architecture.
184
Strontium isotope ratio testing
Determines origins based on bones and teeth.
185
Obsidian workshops
Main source of wealth and tool production.
186
Teotihuacan writing style
Unique symbols not influenced by neighboring societies.
187
La Ventilla district
Site of significant writing and symbol findings.
188
Obsidian
Brittle rock used for tools and trade.
189
Pachuca mines
Primary source of obsidian for Teotihuacan.
190
Teotihuacan trade monopoly
Controlled obsidian trade in Middle America.
191
Cultural interaction
Children and mothers maintained ties to Oaxaca.
192
Artifacts in Zapotec style
Found in Tlailotlacan
193
Adobe structures
Round buildings characteristic of Merchants' Barrio.
194
Commercial transactions
Obsidian tools traded beyond Teotihuacan's borders.
195
Pilgrimage site
Teotihuacan was sacred during Aztec times.
196
Pyramid of the Sun
Major landmark in Teotihuacan's archaeological site.
197
Teotihuacan's historical significance
Influenced surrounding cultures and trade networks.
198
Figurines and jewelry
Common obsidian objects produced in workshops.
199
Tollan myth
Associated with Teotihuacan as sun's creation site.
200
Excavations
Uncovered artifacts and structures from ancient Teotihuacan.
201
Cultural heritage
Maintained through migration and community ties.
202
Mesoamerican cultures
Influenced by Teotihuacan's wealth and craftsmanship.
203
Teotihuacan attractions
One of Mexico's notable archaeological sites.
204
Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora
17th-century archaeologist who excavated Pyramid of the Sun.
205
Leopoldo Batres
Led major excavations at Teotihuacan in 1905.
206
Pyramid of the Sun
Major structure excavated and restored in 1910.
207
Law of Monuments
1897 legislation allowing state control of archaeological sites.
208
Feeder train line
Built in 1908 to transport materials and tourists.
209
International Congress of Americanists
Met in Mexico in 1910 during centennial celebrations.
210
Manuel Gamio
Supervised excavations at Ciudadela in the 1920s.
211
Sigvald Linné
Conducted excavations in Xolalpan area in 1932.
212
INAH
National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico.
213
Avenue of the Dead
Cleared and consolidated during 1960-1965 excavations.
214
Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent
Site of major excavation and restoration from 1980-82.
215
Pyramid of the Moon
Recent excavations expanded evidence of cultural practices.
216
Tunnel discovery
Found in 1971 during sound and light show installation.
217
Manmade tunnel
Recent examinations revealed tunnel beneath Pyramid of the Sun.
218
Sergio Gómez Chávez
Archaeologist who discovered tunnel beneath Temple of the Feathered Serpent.
219
Sinkhole
Accidental discovery leading to tunnel exploration in 2003.
220
Cylindrical shaft
Shape of the tunnel discovered beneath the temple.
221
Subterranean chamber
Hypothesized location connected to the Temple of the Feathered Serpent.
222
Excavation goals
Clearing
223
Cultural practices evidence
Expanded through excavations at Pyramid of the Moon.
224
Heavy rainstorm
Triggered sinkhole discovery at Temple of the Feathered Serpent.
225
Tent preservation
Erected over sinkhole to protect from tourist damage.
226
Tunnel Sealing
Believed to be sealed in 200 CE.
227
Preliminary Planning
Exploration planning took over six years.
228
Victor Manuel Velasco Herrera
Geophysicist from UNAM involved in tunnel exploration.
229
Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Technology used to map tunnel's internal structure.
230
Tlaloc II-TC
Remote-controlled robot for tunnel exploration.
231
Infrared Camera
Device used for capturing images inside the tunnel.
232
3D Visualization
Technique for creating three-dimensional representations of spaces.
233
Excavation Permission
Granted by government in 2009 for tunnel digging.
234
Entrance Discovery
Located by INAH at tunnel's end in 2009.
235
Galleries Under Pyramid
Possible burial site for ancient city rulers.
236
Tlalocan Project
Investigation of the underground tunnel system.
237
Commemorative Excavation
Part of 100th anniversary of Teotihuacan excavations.
238
Avenue of the Dead
Location above the underground passage in Teotihuacan.
239
Feathered Serpent Temple
Temple above the tunnel's underground passage.
240
Vertical Shaft
Access point to the tunnel
241
Corridor Length
Tunnel corridor measures nearly 100 meters long.
242
Manual Excavation
Soil removal done by hand with spades.
243
Artifacts Unearthed
Included pottery
244
Metalized Spheres
Globes ranging from 40 to 130 mm in size.
245
Pyrite Oxidation
Process forming yellow jarosite on metalized spheres.
246
Deliberate Offerings
Artifacts deposited as offerings to appease gods.
247
Miniature Landscape
17 meters underground
248
Liquid Mercury Pools
Tiny pools representing lakes in the landscape.
249
Mineral Powder Impregnation
Walls treated with magnetite
250
Glittering Brightness
Effect mimicking stars in the underworld.
251
Greenstone Statues
Figurines with garments
252
Founding Shamans
Figures guiding pilgrims with sacred objects.
253
Pyrite Mirrors
Used as portals to other realms in rituals.
254
3D Scanner Documentation
Technology used to record excavation progress.
255
Artifact Fragments
75
256
De Young Museum Exhibition
Showcased discoveries since September 2017.
257
1800-Year-Old Bouquet
Well-preserved flowers found in 2021.
258
Quetzalcóatl Pyramid
Dedicated to the feathered serpent deity.
259
Teotihuacan Monuments
Characterized by large
260
Avenue of the Dead
Central road
261
Pyramid of the Sun
Third-largest pyramid
262
Pyramid Dimensions
Base: 219.4 x 231.6 meters; Height: 65 meters.
263
Human Sacrifices
Performed at the top pedestal of the pyramid.
264
Pyramid of the Moon
North end of the city
265
Temple of Quetzalcoatl
Dedicated to the winged serpent god.
266
Winged Serpent Sculpture
Decorated the temple's uphill scale.
267
Ceremonial Architecture
Impressive structures along the Avenue of the Dead.
268
Cultural Influence
Teotihuacan's civilization spread across Mesoamerica.
269
Iconography in Murals
Colored murals depicting butterflies
270
Avenue of the Dead
Main thoroughfare
271
Pyramid of the Moon
One of the main pyramids at Teotihuacan.
272
Temple of the Feathered Serpent
Ruined temple in the Citadel area.
273
Ciudadela
Religious and political center of Teotihuacan.
274
Quetzalpapálot
Palace-museum located between main pyramids.
275
Talud-tablero platforms
Ceremonial platforms topped with temples.
276
Citadel
Surrounded by temples
277
Astronomical orientation
City layout aligns with solar events.
278
Sun Pyramid
Records sunrises and sunsets on specific dates.
279
260-day calendar
Mesoamerican calendar based on 13 and 20-day cycles.
280
Cerro Gordo
Mountain aligned with the Sun Pyramid.
281
Artificial cave
Under the Sun Pyramid
282
San Juan River modification
River rerouted around city structures.
283
Urban grid
Designed using pecked-cross circles for layout.
284
Pecked-cross circles
Urban design feature
285
Numerology in cross pecking
Placement relates to the 260-day ritual cycle.
286
Patolli
Ancient Aztec game resembling pecked-cross circles.
287
Apartment buildings
Housing for common people
288
Map recreation
Featured in June 1967 Scientific American issue.
289
Temple construction
Built to meet topographic and astronomical needs.
290
Cross axes orientation
Aligned with city structures
291
Cuplike markings
Created by hammer-like device
292
Urban significance
Cross layout crucial for city planning.
293
Teotihuacan
Ancient Mesoamerican city known for monumental architecture.
294
Ciudadela
Enclosed plaza in Teotihuacan
295
Pyramid of the Sun
Largest building in Teotihuacan
296
Avenue of the Dead
Main thoroughfare in Teotihuacan
297
Great Compound
Marketplace likely located west of Ciudadela.
298
Temple of Quetzalcoatl
Central feature of Ciudadela
299
Miccaotli phase
Period during which Ciudadela was completed.
300
Cerro Gordo
Mountain near Pyramid of the Sun
301
Pyramid dimensions
225m wide
302
Construction phases
Pyramid built in two stages
303
Altar atop pyramid
Constructed during second phase
304
Lime plaster
Material used to finish Pyramid of the Sun.
305
Mesoamerican alignment
Pyramid aligned with sunrises and sunsets on specific dates.
306
Jaguar imagery
Decorative elements found on Pyramid of the Sun.
307
Excavations 1959
First archaeological study of tunnels beneath Pyramid of the Sun.
308
Tunnel system
Network connecting post-fall tunnels to ancient caves.
309
Urban grid orientation
Central grid aligns with Pyramid of the Sun.
310
State organization evidence
Large market indicates complex political structure.
311
Pyramid of the Moon
Located near Pyramid of the Sun along Avenue of the Dead.
312
Height of pyramid
71.17 meters or 233.5 feet tall.
313
Base perimeter
794.79 meters or 2
314
Lateral surface area
59
315
Volume of pyramid
1
316
Millon
Archaeologist who studied Teotihuacan tunnels.
317
Pyramid of the Sun
Major pyramid in Teotihuacan
318
Cave System
Network of tunnels beneath the Pyramid of the Sun.
319
Artifacts
Pottery and tools found in Teotihuacan tunnels.
320
Ernesto Taboada
Archaeologist who discovered a significant pit.
321
Seven-meter pit
Depth of the pit found at Pyramid of the Sun.
322
Sacred Caves
Caves considered holy in Teotihuacan culture.
323
Chicomoztoc
Mythical place of human origin in Nahua legends.
324
Muon Detectors
Technology used to find chambers in pyramids.
325
Ancient Vandalism
Destruction preventing dating of cave use.
326
Ritual Purposes
Ceremonial uses of the cave system.
327
Wombs of the Earth
Caves symbolizing creation in Mesoamerican mythology.
328
Tepeyolotl
Earth deity associated with caves in mythology.
329
Xiuhtecuhtli
God of fire
330
Cave Glyphs
Symbols indicating the importance of caves.
331
Cultural Influence
Different cultures impacted artifacts found in tunnels.
332
Teotihuacan Popularity
High regard for Teotihuacan among its builders.
333
Craftsmanship
Quality of pyramid construction indicating skilled labor.
334
Rites of Passage
Ceremonies linked to cave usage in society.
335
Royal Tomb
Possible function of the cave beneath the pyramid.
336
Interpretation Theories
Various explanations for the pyramid's significance.
337
Construction Periods
Different times when pyramid sections may have been built.
338
Etzalcualiztli fiesta
Calendar celebration for Tlaloc
339
Pyramid of the Sun
Major pyramid aligned with sun's position.
340
Street of the Dead
Main avenue in Teotihuacan
341
Astronomical alignment
Pyramid's orientation marks sun's position yearly.
342
Holy cave
Shrine site covered by the Pyramid of the Sun.
343
Sacrificial rituals
Ceremonies involving offerings to deities.
344
Obsidian arrowheads
Artifacts found in the Pyramid of the Sun.
345
Teotihuacan Ocelot
Historical artifact now in British Museum.
346
Burial sites of children
Found at pyramid corners
347
Pyramid of the Moon
Second-largest pyramid in Mesoamerica
348
Cerro Gordo
Mountain mimicked by the Pyramid of the Moon.
349
Tenan
Nahuatl term for 'mother or protective stone'.
350
Construction period
Pyramid of the Moon built between 100-450 AD.
351
Avenue of the Dead
Path leading to the Pyramid of the Moon.
352
Ritual sacrifices
Performed on the Pyramid of the Moon's platform.
353
Great Goddess of Teotihuacan
Deity of water
354
Plaza of the Moon
Area with central altar opposite Great Goddess's altar.
355
Teotihuacan Cross
Formation of four rectangular and diagonal bodies.
356
Pyramid layers
Added to legitimize construction and rituals.
357
Expansion period
Pyramid of the Moon expanded between 250-400 AD.
358
Sacrificial victims
Represented by objects found in pyramids.
359
Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent
Nearby pyramid with similar sacrificial artifacts.
360
Cave significance
Important in Aztec culture and religious history.
361
Teotihuacan
Mesoamerican civilization and capital city.
362
Tzacualli
Initial phase of Teotihuacan (0-150 AD).
363
Pyramids of the Moon
Major pyramid in Teotihuacan's urban plan.
364
Pyramids of the Sun
Another significant pyramid in Teotihuacan.
365
Great Goddess
Water deity represented by a stone figure.
366
Talud-tablero
Architectural style of Teotihuacan pyramids.
367
Avenue of the Dead
Main thoroughfare leading to the Pyramid of the Moon.
368
Cerro Gordo
Mountain near the Pyramid of the Moon.
369
Urban planning
Design reflecting cosmological beliefs in Teotihuacan.
370
Cosmology
Study of the universe's order and structure.
371
Archaeological excavations
Excavations revealing Teotihuacan's historical timeline.
372
Artifacts
Items found in tombs
373
Human sacrifice
Ritual practice involving sacrificial victims.
374
Obsidian blades
Tools found in tombs
375
Greenstone figurines
Ceremonial objects found in the Great Goddess tomb.
376
Processional nature
Design reflecting ritualistic pathways in the city.
377
Orientation
City layout aligned with cosmological ideologies.
378
260-day calendar
Ritual calendar linked to city's north-south axis.
379
Renovations
Pyramid of the Moon underwent at least six alterations.
380
Burial practices
Customs involving interment of offerings and skeletons.
381
Religious complex
Center of worship for all Mesoamerican cultures.
382
Monumental pyramids
Large structures central to Teotihuacan's architecture.
383
Sacrificial victim
Human remains found in significant tombs.
384
Urbanization
Planned development of Teotihuacan's city layout.
385
Avenue of the Dead
Main thoroughfare connecting Teotihuacan structures.
386
Public Plaza
Ritual site at base of the pyramid.
387
Building Layers
Seven structures built sequentially atop each other.
388
Building 1
Oldest monument
389
Talud Style
Architectural style with sloping walls and platforms.
390
Building 2
Minor enlargement correcting orientation
391
Building 3
Covered previous structure with minimal expansion.
392
Building 4
Major enlargement
393
Building 5
Expanded north-south to 104 meters
394
Building 6
East-west length 144 meters
395
Building 7
Final visible structure
396
Architectural Shift
Change in style indicates ideological transformation.
397
Ritual Sacrifice
Main function; involved various sacrificial victims.
398
Burials
Five complexes within pyramid
399
Burial Complexes
Labeled two to six
400
Burial Two
Contained a seated male corpse
401
Sacrificial Victims
Included felines
402
Obsidian Objects
Found in burial complexes
403
Figurines
Nonhuman remains found alongside sacrificial offerings.
404
Teotihuacan Cosmology
Concepts represented through sacrificial offerings and burials.
405
Structure Four
Indicates political and militaristic changes in Teotihuacan.
406
High Status Individual
Burial offerings suggest elevated social rank.
407
Occipital Bone
Part of another individual found in burial.
408
Burial Pit
Excavated area for interring offerings and bodies.
409
Figurines
Small sculptures representing humans or deities.
410
Obsidian Blades
Sharp tools made from volcanic glass
411
Storm God Vessels
Ceramic containers associated with storm deities.
412
Greenstone Figure
Sculpture likely depicting a female deity.
413
Nonhuman Sacrifices
Animals offered in rituals
414
Oxygen-Isotope Ratios
Method to determine origins using tooth enamel analysis.
415
Strontium-Isotope Ratios
Technique for tracing geographic origins through bone analysis.
416
Burial Three
Site with four male skeletons
417
Political Authority Mats
Textiles indicating status in Mesoamerican cultures.
418
Severed Heads
Decapitated remains suggesting violent sacrificial practices.
419
Burial Four
Site with seventeen male skulls
420
Gag Fibers
Material used to bind victims in burial contexts.
421
Burial Five
Uncommon burial site with three skeletons
422
Maya Elites
High-status individuals depicted in specific burial positions.
423
Rectangular Pectorals
Ornamental items linked to high-ranking individuals.
424
Animal Spirits
Symbolic representations of deceased individuals' spiritual guides.
425
Burial Six
Site with twelve skeletons
426
Decapitated Skeletons
Remains indicating possible ritualistic violence.
427
High Status Indicators
Artifacts suggesting elevated social rank of individuals.
428
Captives
Individuals likely taken in war or conflict.
429
Sacrificial Victims
Individuals offered in rituals
430
Teotihuacan
431
Cosmograms
Representations of the heavens in burial contexts.
432
Human Sacrifice
Common practice to sanctify buildings in Mesoamerica.
433
Pyramid of the Moon
Site where war captives were sacrificed.
434
Sacrificial Victims
Preferred victims were non-local adult males.
435
Animal Burials
Included felines
436
Warfare Association
Carnivorous animals linked to military symbolism.
437
State Growth Correlation
Sacrifice linked to state and military power.
438
Public Plaza
Core of social life in Mesoamerican cities.
439
Astronomical Observations
Activities conducted at the Pyramid of the Moon.
440
Artifacts
Includes greenstone
441
Wagner Murals
Over 70 fragments removed from Teotihuacan illegally.
442
Abstract Murals
Depict mythical deities
443
Communal Belief System
Reflected in the abstract nature of murals.
444
Hieroglyphic Inscriptions
Few found compared to other Mesoamerican cultures.
445
Olmec Culture
Preceding culture that Teotihuacan sought to differentiate from.
446
Xolalpan Stage
Period marked by diverse mural themes and styles.
447
Decentralization
Indicated by changes in mural themes and styles.
448
Feathered Serpents
Common motif in early Teotihuacan artwork.
449
Nine Lords of the Underworld
Represented by nine plants and glyphs in murals.
450
Migration Myth
References to Aztecs leaving the cave of origin.
451
Three-Tassel Headdress
Symbolic figure depicted in Wagner Murals.
452
Ceremonial Center
Moon plaza served as a regional hub.
453
Pyramidal Structures
Small pyramids within the complex for rituals.
454
St. Louis Collection
Independent collection of Teotihuacán figures.
455
San Francisco Collection
Another collection of Teotihuacán figures.
456
Techinantila Compound
Original site of the mural figures.
457
Houston Collection
Collection with similar figures to St. Louis.
458
Milwaukee Collection
Another collection with similar figures.
459
Storm God
Deity often depicted with tassel headdress.
460
Three-tassel Headdress
Symbol representing people in Teotihuacán culture.
461
Tassel Motif
Symbol appearing in distant areas like Tikal.
462
Stela 31
Depicts military figure with tassel headdress.
463
Great Goddess
Connected to the three-tassel headdress.
464
Pasztory's Notion
Transition in Teotihuacán culture through murals.
465
Wagner Murals
Murals illustrating communal ideology and individual identity.
466
Rene Millon
Tracked mural fragments in 1983 and 1984.
467
Tlacuilapaxco Compound
Location of remaining mural fragments.
468
Harald Wagner
Collector of Teotihuacán murals
469
De Young Museum
Museum in San Francisco housing Wagner's collection.
470
Illegal Sacking
Looting of Teotihuacán for private market.
471
Mural Iconography
Used to denote cultural and individual identities.
472
Avenue of the Dead
Location near Techinantitla compound.
473
Pyramid of the Moon
Landmark close to Techinantitla compound.
474
Artistic Components
Architecture and art combined in Wagner's interests.
475
Ethical Implications
Concerns regarding acquisition of cultural artifacts.
