The Teotihuacan Anomaly: The Historical Trajectory of Urban Design in Ancient Central Mexico

Teotihuacan stands out as the most anomalous urban design in ancient Mesoamerica, defying established Preclassic planning principles. While other cities adhered to traditional layouts, Teotihuacan introduced radical, unconventional concepts that were later abandoned until the Mexica of Tenochtitlan revived them for specific purposes. This study identifies the historical trajectory of urban design in Central Mexico, highlighting how Teotihuacan's unique approach deviated from and influenced subsequent urban planning. The research compares Teotihuacan’s design with other Mesoamerican cities to underscore its anomalous character within the region's urbanism traditions.

Smith, M. E. (2017). The Teotihuacan Anomaly: The Historical Trajectory of Urban Design in Ancient Central Mexico. Open Archaeology, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/opar-2017-0010