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HISTODEX

Flourishing of Teotihuacan

c. 200–c. 550

Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange.

A historical reconstruction of cities, technology, and culture at Teotihuacan (present-day Mexico), showing the setting of Flourishing of Teotihuacan
Reconstruction note: This educational reconstruction is not a primary-source image of the event.
Period
c. 200–c. 550
Kind
Cultural event
Regions
Latin America
Keywords
Flourishing of Teotihuacan · Teotihuacan (present-day Mexico) · ancient · background · turning point · impact

Follow the story · Four stages

  1. Background

    Political, social, and commercial changes around Teotihuacan (present-day Mexico) formed the setting: Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange.

    • In and around Teotihuacan (present-day Mexico), the setting took shape as Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange.
    • Core event: Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange.
    • Connection to the next stage: Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange. The change unfolded through decisions by rulers, institutions, and local communities.
    Historical reconstruction of Flourishing of Teotihuacan's background: In and around Teotihuacan (present-day Mexico), the setting took shape as Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange.

  2. Course

    Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange. The choices of the participating powers and responses of local communities shaped the course.

    • Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange.
    • The change unfolded through decisions by rulers, institutions, and local communities.
    • Conditions behind the action: In and around Teotihuacan (present-day Mexico), the setting took shape as Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange.
    Historical reconstruction of Flourishing of Teotihuacan's central action: Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange.

  3. Outcome

    As a result, Its urban landscape and craft traditions influenced later Mesoamerican societies for centuries.

    • Its urban landscape and craft traditions influenced later Mesoamerican societies for centuries.
    • Process producing the result: Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange. The change unfolded through decisions by rulers, institutions, and local communities.
    • Question carried forward: In the longer term, its urban landscape and craft traditions influenced later mesoamerican societies for centuries.
    Historical reconstruction of Flourishing of Teotihuacan's immediate aftermath: Its urban landscape and craft traditions influenced later Mesoamerican societies for centuries.

  4. Historical significance

    The significance of this event lies in the fact that its urban landscape and craft traditions influenced later mesoamerican societies for centuries.

    • In the longer term, its urban landscape and craft traditions influenced later mesoamerican societies for centuries.
    • Immediate consequence: Its urban landscape and craft traditions influenced later Mesoamerican societies for centuries.
    • Historical turning point: Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange.
    Historical reconstruction of Flourishing of Teotihuacan's long-term consequences: In the longer term, its urban landscape and craft traditions influenced later mesoamerican societies for centuries.

Related events

  1. c. 200

    Earlier conditions

    Historical reconstruction of the “Earlier conditions” stage in Flourishing of Teotihuacan

    Earlier conditions — Background: In and around Teotihuacan (present-day Mexico), the setting took shape as Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange.

  2. c. 200

    Forces in motion

    Historical reconstruction of the “Forces in motion” stage in Flourishing of Teotihuacan

    Forces in motion — Build-up: Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange. The change unfolded through decisions by rulers, institutions, and local communities.

  3. c. 200–c. 550

    Flourishing of Teotihuacan

    Current event

    Historical reconstruction of the “Flourishing of Teotihuacan” stage in Flourishing of Teotihuacan

    Flourishing of Teotihuacan — Central transition: Teotihuacan became one of Mesoamerica’s largest cities through urban planning, monumental pyramids, and long-distance exchange.

  4. c. 550

    Immediate aftermath

    Historical reconstruction of the “Immediate aftermath” stage in Flourishing of Teotihuacan

    Immediate aftermath — Immediate result: Its urban landscape and craft traditions influenced later Mesoamerican societies for centuries.

  5. c. 550

    Enduring consequences

    Historical reconstruction of the “Enduring consequences” stage in Flourishing of Teotihuacan

    Enduring consequences — Long-term significance: In the longer term, its urban landscape and craft traditions influenced later mesoamerican societies for centuries.

Sources