Ancient Aliens: Aztec God's Visit (Season 12, Episode 7) | History

Summary

The Teotihuacan complex, located near Mexico City, is a mysterious ancient city dating back to the first century AD. Known as the 'Rome of Mesoamerica,' it predates the Maya civilization and was once the largest city in the Western hemisphere, supporting nearly 100,000 residents. It featured the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and a temple to Quetzalcoatl, alongside the Avenue of the Dead. Despite its grandeur, the city's origins and the fate of its inhabitants remain unknown, with no hieroglyphs or clear historical records. Some theories suggest it was built by divine beings, as indicated by local lore and the Aztec name 'City of the Gods.'

Takeaways

• 🗺️ Teotihuacan is an ancient city complex located 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, covering nearly eight square miles and dating back to the first century AD.
• 🏛️ It is considered the oldest and most sophisticated city in Mesoamerica, which stretches from northern Mexico to Central America.
• ⏳ Predating the Maya civilization by at least 100 years, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the Western hemisphere before the 15th century.
• 🌆 At its zenith, Teotihuacan supported a population of nearly 100,000 residents and served as a major commerce and religious center.
• 🌟 The city is often referred to as the 'Rome of Mesoamerica' due to its significant influence on subsequent city-states.
• ⛰️ The central features of Teotihuacan include the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and a temple dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent.
• 🏡 The Avenue of the Dead is a prominent thoroughfare lined with over 200 smaller buildings, platforms, and pyramids.
• 🤔 Despite its grandeur, the identity of Teotihuacan's builders and the fate of its inhabitants remain a mystery.
• 📜 Unlike other Mesoamerican cultures, Teotihuacan lacks hieroglyphs, making its history and rulership unclear.
• 👽 Ancient astronaut theorists, influenced by local lore, suggest that Teotihuacan may have been built by non-human entities, such as sky gods or extraterrestrial beings.
• 🌐 The Aztecs named the city 'Teotihuacan,' meaning 'city of the gods,' raising questions about the divine beings possibly associated with its origins.

Q & A

Where is the Teotihuacan complex located?

The Teotihuacan complex is located just 30 miles northeast of Mexico City.

How large is the Teotihuacan complex?

The complex encompasses nearly eight square miles.

When was Teotihuacan established?

Teotihuacan is dated to the first century AD.

How does Teotihuacan compare to other Mesoamerican cities in terms of age?

The civilization predated the Maya by at least 100 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Mesoamerica.

What was the peak population of Teotihuacan?

At its peak, Teotihuacan was said to have supported nearly 100,000 residents.

What was Teotihuacan's significance in the Western hemisphere?

It was the largest city in the entire Western hemisphere prior to the 15th century and served as a major commerce and religious center for the region.

What are the central features of the Teotihuacan complex?

The central features include two large pyramids known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, as well as a temple dedicated to Quetzalcoatl.

What is the significance of the Avenue of the Dead?

The Avenue of the Dead is a thoroughfare alongside which over 200 smaller buildings, platforms, and pyramids are found.

Why is there a mystery surrounding the builders of Teotihuacan?

Despite its size, Teotihuacan has no hieroglyphs, unlike other Mesoamerican cultures that were using writing systems, leaving no clear history of its builders or rulers.

What theories exist about the origins of Teotihuacan's advanced architecture?

Some suggest that the technology required to build Teotihuacan's structures was greater than what was possessed by the people of the time, leading to questions about the origins of such sophistication.

What is the local lore regarding the founders of Teotihuacan?

Ancient astronaut theorists and local lore suggest that the original builders of the site may not have been human but divine beings or gods, as the site is considered sacred and connected to a divine realm.

What is the meaning behind the name 'Teotihuacan'?

The name Teotihuacan translates to 'city of the gods,' which raises questions about the identity of these gods and whether they were a product of imagination or actual visitors who influenced the civilization.