Teotihuacan: A Case Study in Mesoamerican Urbanism

30 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Teotihuacan and Mesoamerican urbanism.

Mesoamerica

An archaeological region encompassing parts of Mexico and northern Central America with shared cultural traditions.

Urbanism

The study and development of cities and their structures.

Tlalancaleca

An early urban site in Central Mexico during the Middle to Late Formative periods.

Formative Periods

The periods from 800 BC to 250 AD marked by early urban centers in Central Mexico.

Population Nucleation

The concentration of population in specific urban areas.

Monumental Architecture

Large structures built for ceremonial or public purposes.

Social Inequality

Differences in social status and wealth within a society.

Sociopolitical Complexity

The organization and hierarchy of social and political structures.

Cuicuilco

A major urban site that showcased monumental architecture in Late Formative Central Mexico.

Talud-Tablero

An architectural style characterized by a sloped base (talud) topped by a vertical panel (tablero).

Teotihuacan

A large ancient Mesoamerican city known for its monumental architecture and urban planning.

Pyramid of the Moon

A significant structure in Teotihuacan, used for rituals and sacrifices.

Pyramid of the Sun

The largest pyramid in Teotihuacan, known for its size and ritual significance.

Feathered Serpent Pyramid

A noteworthy monument with rich iconography found in Teotihuacan.

Ciudadela

The central area of Teotihuacan, containing the Temple of the Feathered Serpent.

Avenue of the Dead

The main thoroughfare in Teotihuacan lined with monumental structures.

Apartment Compounds

Residential buildings in Teotihuacan housing extended family groups.

Obsidian Workshop

Sites within Teotihuacan where obsidian tools and artifacts were crafted.

Sacrificial Burial

Graves containing offerings and sacrificial remains found in pyramids.

Public Rituals

Ceremonies conducted in public spaces, associated with religious practices.

Urban Layout

The designed arrangement of buildings, streets, and public spaces in a city.

Economic Activities

Actions related to the production, distribution, and consumption of goods.

Household Ritual Objects

Items found in domestic spaces indicating ritual practices.

Ritualized Violence

The use of violence within a controlled, ceremonial context.

Migration Patterns

Movements of populations from one area to another.

Socioeconomic Diversity

Variations in economic status and social class within a community.

Decline of Teotihuacan

The period marked by destruction and dispersal of population around 650 AD.

Imperial City

A city that exercises control and influence over other regions.

Civic-Ceremonial Center

A space for public gatherings and rituals in urban contexts.

Tikal

A major Maya city that interacted with Teotihuacan and shows signs of influence.

Siyaj K’ahk’

A warlord associated with the invasion of Tikal and the expansion of Teotihuacan's influence.