Teotihuacán History | A Guide to Mexico's Ancient City

Teotihuacán timeline

~100 BCE: Teotihuacán is first settled, with monumental construction beginning soon after.
~150 CE: The city's main axis, the Avenue of the Dead, is established, and the Pyramid of the Moon is constructed at its northern end.
~200 CE: The Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest pyramids in the Americas, is completed.
~300–500 CE: Teotihuacán's Golden Age. The city becomes a dominant political, economic, and cultural center in Mesoamerica with a population of over 100,000. Its influence spreads far and wide.
~550–650 CE: The city begins a rapid decline. Key monuments are intentionally burned and desecrated, a period of instability that likely points to internal revolt or invasion.
~750 CE: The city is largely abandoned.
14th–15th century: The Aztec people discover the abandoned ruins and name the site "Teotihuacán," meaning "the place where the gods were created."
1905–1910: Archaeologist Leopoldo Batres leads the first major restoration and reconstruction of the Pyramid of the Sun, preparing the site for Mexico's centennial celebrations.
1987: Teotihuacán is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its universal historical and cultural value.

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From Mexico City: Teotihuacán Early Access or Afternoon Guided Tour

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From Mexico City: Teotihuacán, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco Full-Day Tour

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Teotihuacán's history explained

Early settlement and planning (~100 BCE–50 CE)

Around 100 BCE, Teotihuacán grew from a small settlement into a major urban center. Its original inhabitants, whose identity is still unknown, laid out a meticulously planned city with a central axis and grid-like streets. This early period was defined by the start of large-scale construction, reflecting a highly organized society with the ability to mobilize a vast labor force.

Pyramid construction (~50 CE–150 CE)

During this time, the city's most iconic monuments were built: the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Their construction demonstrates an advanced understanding of urban planning and astronomical alignment, particularly with the city's central axis, the Avenue of the Dead.

Population and regional influence (~300 CE–450 CE)

At its peak, Teotihuacán’s population exceeded 100,000 100,000, making it the largest city in the Americas. Its influence spread across Mesoamerica through trade, cultural exchange, and potential military actions, with evidence found in distant Maya sites in Guatemala and the powerful city of Tikal.

Rise of the Golden Age (~450 CE–550 CE)

This era was a showcase of Teotihuacán's wealth and power. The city was adorned with elaborate murals, intricate craftwork production, and impressive architecture, solidifying its status as a vast empire with a lasting impact on subsequent civilizations.

The decline (~550 CE–650 CE)

Starting around 550 CE, Teotihuacán entered a rapid and mysterious period of decline. Archaeological evidence reveals widespread burning and desecration of temples and elite residences along the Avenue of the Dead, hinting at a violent end.

The mysterious collapse (~650 CE–750 CE)

The exact cause of the city's collapse remains a mystery. Theories range from internal revolts and famine to external invasions or environmental disasters. By 750 CE, the city was largely abandoned, leaving behind imposing ruins and unanswered questions about the society that built it.

Construction and architecture of Teotihuacán

The city of Teotihuacán was built in several phases, beginning around 100 BCE and continuing for centuries. The construction was not overseen by a single ruler, but rather by the city inhabitants. Builders used locally sourced materials, primarily volcanic rock like tezontle and andesite. The structures were then coated in a layer of lime plaster and painted in vibrant colors.

Much of the initial restoration work on the site was conducted in the early 20th century. Notably, the Pyramid of the Sun was reconstructed by archaeologist Leopoldo Batres between 1905 and 1910.

Key architectural features:

Avenue of the Dead: The city is laid out around this main axis, a 4-kilometer-long street that connects the pyramids. The buildings were placed on a grid aligned with the movement of the sun and stars.
Pyramids: The two largest pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, featured a sloped outer wall (talud) topped by a vertical panel (tablero). The Pyramid of the Sun was constructed in one go around 200 CE, while the Pyramid of the Moon was built and expanded in stages over centuries.
Residential compounds: Unlike other Mesoamerican cities, Teotihuacán featured multi-family residential compounds with interconnected rooms rather than single-family homes.

Teotihuacán today

As Mexico's most-visited archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Teotihuacán remains a place of historical pilgrimage and a powerful symbol of Mesoamerica's pre-Columbian greatness. Its preservation and management are overseen by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). Through ongoing archaeological work, often in partnership with international institutions, the site continues to reveal new secrets and change our understanding of this enigmatic city.

More about Teotihuacán

Frequently asked questions about Teotihuacán's history

When was Teotihuacán built and by whom?

Construction of Teotihuacán began around 100 BCE. The identity of its original builders remains a mystery, as they left no written records. The city was likely built by a multi-ethnic civilization whose name is now lost to history.

What was the original purpose of Teotihuacán?

Teotihuacán was a major urban, religious, and political center. It served as a hub for trade and craftsmanship, and its monumental pyramids and temples were sites for religious rituals and ceremonies.

What makes Teotihuacán historically significant?

Teotihuacán was the largest urban center in the pre-Columbian Americas and one of the largest cities in the world during its golden age. Its influence on later civilizations, particularly the Aztecs, was profound, shaping their religion, architecture, and worldview.

What is the significance of the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon?

The pyramids were the main religious and ceremonial structures of the city. The Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest in the Americas, was built in a single, massive effort, while the Pyramid of the Moon was expanded over several centuries. Their strategic placement and alignment suggest they were key components of the city's spiritual and astronomical life.

What is left of Teotihuacán today?

Today, the archaeological site covers over 280 hectares and includes the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the Avenue of the Dead, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, and numerous residential compounds. Many of the original murals and artifacts are also on display in museums.

How was Teotihuacán rediscovered or restored?

The city was never truly "lost," as its ruins were known to the Aztecs and other Indigenous peoples. The Aztecs named it "Teotihuacán" and made pilgrimages there. The first major modern archaeological work began in the early 20th century, with significant restoration projects taking place to prepare the site for public viewing.

Is there a guided tour that explains Teotihuacán’s full history?

Yes, guided tours are highly recommended to get a full historical context. Knowledgeable local guides can explain the latest theories on the city’s builders, its rise to power, and its mysterious collapse, bringing the site to life in a way that is difficult to achieve on a self-guided visit.