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The Rise of Teotihuacán

several administrative centers spread across the city.

The presence of obsidian in the Teotihuacán Valley.

The potential for extensive irrigation of Teotihuacán Valley lands.

A long period of volcanic inactivity in the Teotihuacán Valley.

Teotihuacán’s location on a natural trade route.

It was a fairly small city until that date.

It was located outside the Valley of Mexico.

It emerged rapidly as an economical and political center.

Its economy relied heavily on agriculture.

A well-exploited and readily available commodity.

The presence of a highly stable elite class.

Knowledge derived directly from the Olmecs about the art of toolmaking.

Scarce natural resources in nearby areas such as those located in what are now the Guatemalan and Mexican highlands.

Obsidian’s value was understood only when Teotihuacán became an important city.

The residents of Teotihuacán were sophisticated toolmakers.

The residents of Teotihuacán traded obsidian with the Olmecs as early as 400 B.C. 

Some of the obsidian used by the Olmecs came from the area around Teotihuacán.

Opportunities for well-paid agricultural employment.

The presence of one or more religious shrines.

explain why manufacturing was the main industry of Teotihuacán.

give an example of an industry that took very little time to develop in Teotihuacán. 

illustrate how several factors influenced each other to make Teotihuacán a powerful and wealthy city. 

explain how a successful industry can be a source of wealth and a source of conflict at the same time.

The number and sophistication of the architectural, administrative, commercial, and religious features of Teotihuacán indicate the existence of centralized planning and control. 

Teotihuacán may have developed its own specific local religion as a result of the cultural advances made possible by the city’s great prosperity.

Several factors may account for Teotihuacán’s extraordinary development, including its location, rich natural resources, irrigation potential, intelligent elite, and the misfortune of rival communities.

As a result of its large number of religious shrines, by the first century A.D,Teotihuacán became the most influential religious center in all of Mesoamerica.

In many important areas, from the obsidian industry to religious tourism, Teotihuacán’s success and prosperity typified the classic positive feedback cycle.

Although many immigrants settled in Teotihuacán between A.D. 150 and 700, the increasing threat of coerced labor discouraged further settlement and limited Teotihuacán’s population growth.

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