Teotihuacan ancient culture affected by megathrust earthquakes during the early Epiclassic Period (Mexico)

A new analysis of Teotihuacan's ancient structures reveals that the pre-Hispanic city experienced at least five significant earthquakes between 1–550 CE, potentially linked to powerful megathrust quakes (Mw > 8.5) originating from the Middle American Trench along Mexico's Pacific coast. Evidence of seismic damage, such as cracks and structural deformations, was identified in key landmarks like the Pyramid of the Sun, the Old Temple of the Feathered Serpent, and the Adosada platform. While the study does not pinpoint the exact earthquake sources, it suggests that repetitive seismic events could have exacerbated social unrest, contributing to Teotihuacan's decline around 550 CE. This finding aligns with existing theories about the city's collapse but introduces a natural disaster-driven perspective.

Pérez-López, R., Moragas-Segura, N., Elez, J., Silva, P. G., Giner-Robles, J. L., Rodríguez-Pascua, M. A., Ramos, A., Perucha, M. A., Roquero, E., & Garduño-Monroy, V. H. (2024). Teotihuacan ancient culture affected by megathrust earthquakes during the early Epiclassic Period (Mexico). Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 55, 104528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2024.104528