Publications
Negotiating the past and present: a critical re-evaluation of public sector tourism strategies in Teotihuacan, Mexico’s world heritage
Teotihuacán, Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplifies the tensions between global heritage prestige and localized sociocultural marginalization. A critical re-evaluation of public sector tourism strategies reveals how neoliberal policies prioritize mass visitation economies over community agency in heritage management. Despite UNESCO designation enhancing Teotihuacán's scientific and symbolic capital, institutionalized 'top-down' frameworks like Mexico’s Programa Pueblos Mágicos (PPM) commodify cultural heritage, favoring infrastructural investments for tourism over inclusive development. This study employs mixed-methods, including interviews with policymakers, stakeholders, and discourse analysis of tourism legislation, to expose the paradoxical coexistence of global recognition and localized disenfranchisement.
The Language of Teotihuacan Writing
A groundbreaking analysis proposes that Teotihuacan's writing system, long considered enigmatic, encodes a Uto-Aztecan language ancestral to Nahuatl, Cora, and Huichol. The study challenges the notion that Teotihuacan signs lack linguistic specificity by demonstrating their alignment with Mesoamerican scribal traditions, including logograms (rebus principle) and 'double spelling.' Through comparative glyphic analysis, researchers argue for a coherent linguistic foundation, offering new interpretations of previously undeciphered symbols. This breakthrough suggests Teotihuacan's writing was not merely symbolic but conveyed meaningful content tied to an identifiable language family, reshaping our understanding of this iconic Mesoamerican civilization.
Place and Person at Pre-Hispanic Teotihuacan, Mexico
A new perspective on the societal differences between Teotihuacan and contemporary Maya kingdoms challenges long-held assumptions about Mesoamerican civilizations. While Maya societies were believed to revolve around semi-divine rulers, Teotihuacan's depersonalized art and gridded city plan suggested a collective ethos. However, this study argues that the key distinction lies in the interplay between embodied personhood and the built environment. Teotihuacanos' identity was deeply shaped by their living space, contrasting with Maya conceptions of personhood. The research employs an analytical approach to critically assess the dichotomy of group versus individual, revealing that these differences stem from how people conceived of themselves within their urban landscapes.
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.
The divergent orientations of the buildings of the Franciscan complex of San Gabriel Cholula, Puebla, Mexico
The Royal Chapel of the Franciscan complex in San Gabriel Cholula, Mexico, exhibits a unique alignment with the sacred orientation of Teotihuacan, diverging from the city's solstitial layout. This discovery challenges prior assumptions about the architectural consistency of Cholula and suggests a deliberate connection to Teotihuacan's cosmological framework. The study analyzed the orientations of the chapel and convent temple, revealing that while the chapel aligns with Teotihuacan's orientation, the convent temple's alignment remains enigmatic but may correspond to equinox definitions or the patron saint's feast day. This research sheds light on the complex interplay between pre-Hispanic and colonial architectural traditions in New Spain.
Un suburbio de Teotihuacan: Nuevas investigaciones en el barrio de Hacienda Metepec / A suburb of Teotihuacan: New research in the neighborhood of Hacienda Metepec
New research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan reveals that the Hacienda Metepec neighborhood, located on the city's eastern margin, likely resulted from distinct urban growth processes, including planned expansion. Initial findings suggest architectural elements and spatial organization consistent with planning principles applied in central sectors of Teotihuacan. However, the contrast between the neighborhood's monumentality and its relatively isolated location remains unclear. The study, conducted as part of the Project Hacienda Metepec (2021-2022), involved examining archaeological backgrounds and mapping to discuss the neighborhood's formation process.
Archaeology of Mexico City: new studies in the study of the history of the ancient Aztecs
Recent archaeological discoveries in Mexico City, including the remains of a room where Spanish explorers first encountered the Aztec capital and fragments of pre-Hispanic stone bas-reliefs, alongside the Great Tzompantli (a traditional skull construction), challenge and refine long-held understandings of Aztec society. The study employs advanced techniques such as electroresistive tomography and geophysics alongside traditional methods to investigate ritual spaces like the Great Cuaushikalco and salt mining sites from both Preclassic and post-classical periods. Ongoing excavations in Teotihuacan, including an artificial tunnel within the Moon Pyramid, further illuminate the region's complex history. While preliminary, these findings confirm established features of Aztec culture without diminishing their global significance.
Cacicas: The Indigenous Women Leaders of Spanish America, 1492–1825 ed. by Margarita R. Ochoa and Sara Vicuña Guengerich
Cacicas: The Indigenous Women Leaders of Spanish America, 1492–1825 reveals the agency and leadership of Indigenous women during colonial rule, challenging narratives that depict them as oppressed or marginalized. Through extensive analysis of fragmentary sources—including chronicles, legal records, testaments, and account books from archives across Latin America and Spain—the editors, Margarita R. Ochoa and Sara Vicuña Guengerich, uncover the roles of cacicas (Indigenous female leaders) in negotiating power dynamics with both their communities and colonial authorities. The study spans North and Central America to South America, tracing shifts in Indigenous women's status from pre-Columbian nobility to the Bourbon period, while emphasizing their resilience and strategic navigation of legal pluralism within the Spanish Empire.
Earliest evidence of primate captivity and translocation supports gift diplomacy between Teotihuacan and the Maya
A groundbreaking multimethod archaeometry study reveals the earliest evidence of primate captivity and translocation in Mesoamerica, dating to 250-300 CE. The analysis of a spider monkey sacrificed at Teotihuacan's ceremonial center provides insights into interregional diplomacy between Teotihuacan and the Maya during Early Classic Mesoamerica (1-550 CE). This discovery suggests that a period of fluid ritual exchange with Maya dignitaries preceded Teotihuacan's militaristic involvement, challenging previous narratives. The study combines zooarchaeological, isotopic, ancient DNA, paleobotanical, and radiocarbon dating techniques to reconstruct the monkey's life history, including its age at capture (before 3 years), duration in captivity (over 2 years), anthropogenic diet (maize, arrowroot, chili pepper), and context of sacrifice. The presence of Maya vessels and murals further supports the diplomatic gift exchange interpretation.
Monkeys in the City of Gods
Archaeological evidence reveals that Mesoamerican spider monkeys (Ateles cf. A. geoffroyi) were present in the Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan, with biological remains found in significant structures like the Pyramid of the Moon and Xalla, alongside portable material culture resembling primates, particularly in Tetitla and La Ventilla. Murals depicting monkeys were also discovered at these sites, suggesting that primates held symbolic value for the city's ruling elite and possibly other Mesoamerican societies. The study proposes that primates may have been introduced through trade or cultural exchange with distant regions like the Mayan area and Oaxacan province, particularly during the Classic period (~200–550 CE). While their presence is relatively scarce given Teotihuacan's size and research history, the findings indicate that both living primates and their representations circulated widely within the city.
A Teotihuacan complex at the Classic Maya city of Tikal, Guatemala
Lidar technology has uncovered evidence of a Teotihuacan-style complex at the Classic Maya city of Tikal, Guatemala. This complex appears to replicate key architectural features of the Ciudadela and Temple of the Feathered Serpent from Teotihuacan, suggesting significant cultural influence or interaction between these two major Mesoamerican centers during the Classic period (250–600 CE). The discovery challenges previous assumptions about Tikal's independence and underscores its role as a possible hub for Teotihuacan's imperial expansion. Researchers employed lidar to penetrate dense jungle canopy, revealing structural patterns that align with known Teotihuacan designs.
Excavations at the Southern Neighborhood Center of the Tlajinga District, Teotihuacan, Mexico
Recent excavations at the Southern Neighborhood Center of Teotihuacan's Tlajinga District reveal that semi-public spaces in the city's periphery were architecturally elaborate and likely served civic-ceremonial functions, challenging assumptions about social inequality. The study, conducted by the Proyecto Arqueológico Tlajinga Teotihuacan (PATT) in 2019, employed excavations at two large complexes, geophysical prospection of adjacent structures and plazas, and chemical residue analysis of floors and sediments. Findings suggest these spaces were not primarily residential but may have hosted local elites or been used for communal activities, indicating a more nuanced social hierarchy than previously understood.
Humans as geomorphic agents: Lidar detection of the past, present and future of the Teotihuacan Valley, Mexico
A groundbreaking study reveals that human activities have been the dominant geomorphic agents shaping landscapes since the rise of early urbanism, with lasting impacts visible even today. Using advanced lidar mapping, researchers analyzed the Teotihuacan Valley in Mexico, uncovering previously unrecognized features and documenting the destruction of archaeological sites due to modern mining operations. This multi-scalar approach links past, present, and future landscape dynamics, providing a critical geospatial database for informed stewardship decisions. The findings underscore the need to balance urban development with the preservation of heritage landscapes, offering valuable insights for policymakers and archaeologists alike.
New Perspectives on Migration into the Tlajinga District of Teotihuacan: A Dual-Isotope Approach
A new dual-isotope analysis of human remains from the Tlajinga district in Teotihuacan reveals that nearly half (45%) of its population were migrants, significantly higher than previous estimates. This study, combining strontium and oxygen isotope data from three apartment compounds, suggests migration was most pronounced during the early centuries of occupation but remained consistent throughout the site's history. A notable finding indicates that residents of Tlajinga 33 consumed foods with elevated strontium ratios, likely due to the use of imported lime in food processing, a factor that could influence future isotope-based studies at Teotihuacan.
Reconstruyendo el “Proyecto Teotihuacán” del INAH, 1962-1964 (temporadas IV y V)
A groundbreaking reconstruction of INAH's 'Proyecto Teotihuacán' (1962–1964) reveals unprecedented insights into the archaeological memory and methodological challenges of one of Latin America's most significant pre-Hispanic excavations. This study synthesizes previously unpublished technical reports, offering a comprehensive overview of Seasons IV and V, which followed earlier campaigns (1960–1962). By analyzing primary documentary sources, it elucidates the narratives constructed by specialists regarding Teotihuacan's pre-Hispanic society and the evolution of archaeological practices in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research highlights the logistical and institutional hurdles faced during large-scale reconstructions, providing a critical framework for understanding both the ancient metropolis and the history of archaeology in Mexico.
Sonic Artefacts of Teotihuacan, Mexico (Horns, Trumpets and Pipes)
Acoustic analysis of wind instruments from Teotihuacan, Mexico, reveals key insights into the urban soundscapes and musical practices of this ancient city. By examining playable archaeological finds—including horns, trumpets, and pipes—and constructing experimental models, researchers deduced potential performance contexts and basic acoustic properties of Teotihuacan's music. The study integrates archaeological and iconographical evidence to reconstruct how these instruments may have been used in urban settings, offering a rare glimpse into the sonic culture of one of Mesoamerica's most significant civilizations.
Teotihuacan Writing:
Teotihuacan, often viewed as a state without writing, possesses a distinct logophonetic script with clear links to other Mesoamerican systems. This study identifies the corpus, media, and geographical distribution of Teotihuacan writing, pinpointing its heartland in central Mexico while noting its presence across Mesoamerica. The research analyzes graphic characteristics, sign inventory, and temporal distribution, revealing similarities to established writing systems. By synthesizing historical work and evaluating candidate languages, the study advances understanding of Teotihuacan's linguistic and cultural complexity.
Why were New World rabbits not domesticated?
Despite extensive human-rabbit interactions spanning thousands of years, particularly at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan, North American rabbits were not domesticated like their European counterparts. This study identifies behavioral differences—specifically social structure and reproductive traits—as key factors preventing New World rabbit domestication. While European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) exhibit communal living, stable social hierarchies, and cooperative breeding, North American cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) display solitary tendencies and less structured social behaviors. Archaeological evidence from Teotihuacan, including isotopic analysis of rabbit remains, supports the idea that rabbits were managed for food, fur, and ritual purposes but remained wild. The study contrasts these findings with Europe's domestication history, where directed breeding led to significant morphological changes in European rabbits by the 18th century.
Interactions between Ancient Teotihuacan and the Maya world
New evidence suggests that the Teotihuacan state, during its monumental construction phase around the 3rd century CE, engaged with Maya and other foreign groups in significant ways. These interactions likely involved the exchange of esoteric knowledge, mass-sacrifice rituals, or participation in accession ceremonies. The 'Entrada' event around 378 CE appears to mark a renewed contact between Teotihuacan and specific Petén groups, coinciding with a restructuring of the Teotihuacan polity towards militarism and expansionist designs. This study interprets data from Teotihuacan's city center to propose that these interactions were pivotal in shaping its pan-Mesoamerican worldview and socio-political dynamics.
Material study of green stone artifacts from a Teotihuacan complex
A material study of green stone artifacts from the Plaza de las Columnas complex at Teotihuacan reveals significant interregional interactions, particularly with the Maya area. The research, employing advanced imaging techniques and spectroscopies (FTIR, Raman), along with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and elemental analysis via XRF and SEM-EDS, identified a predominance of quartz-carbonate objects alongside rare materials like jadeite, albite, omphacite, and serpentine. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the complex's material sourcing and suggest a sophisticated network of trade or exchange with distant regions, particularly during Teotihuacan's height (100–250 CE). The study underscores the importance of multi-disciplinary approaches in unraveling the cultural and economic dynamics of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.
Animal Management at the Ancient Metropolis of Teotihuacan, Mexico: Stable Isotope Analysis of Leporid (Cottontail and Jackrabbit) Bone Mineral
Stable isotope analysis reveals that cottontails and jackrabbits at Teotihuacan were provisioned with human-cultivated foods, such as maize, suggesting intentional management or breeding during the city's peak (AD 1-550). The study analyzed bone mineral isotopes from 134 ancient leporid specimens, comparing them to modern samples. High δ13Capatite values in Oztoyahualco, a residential complex with rabbit sculptures and butchering traces, indicate human provisioning, while stable δ18Oapatite values suggest consistent environmental conditions. This provides evidence for mammalian animal husbandry in ancient Mesoamerica.
Restos de Cangrejo Rojo (Gecarcinus lateralis) y Cangrejo Azul (Cardisoma guanhumi), en el Contexto Arqueológico Teotihuacano de Teopancazco
A rare discovery of crab remains, specifically from the red crab (Gecarcinus lateralis) and blue crab (Cardisoma guanhumi), in the archaeological context of Teopancazco at the Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan reveals a previously undocumented cultural relationship between ancient central Mexican societies and coastal inhabitants. This finding, derived from excavations led by Dr. Linda R. Manzanilla, indicates that these crabs were part of the region's biodiversity and likely played roles in trade, rituals, or diet during the late Tlamimilolpa to Xolalpan stages (300-600 AD). The presence of fish bones, a sea urchin, and crab chelae fragments underscores the significance of coastal wildlife in Teotihuacan's socio-economic landscape, challenging previous assumptions about its limited interaction with marine resources.
Teotihuacan Empire
Teotihuacan, a sprawling pre-industrial city founded around 150 BCE in highland Central Mexico, rose rapidly to become the dominant political and economic power of its time. Its influence extended beyond its urban core, absorbing and controlling neighboring regions, possibly even distant ones. The city's decline was marked by a catastrophic fire around 600 CE, which destroyed its core and signaled the end of Teotihuacan's prominence as a major pre-Hispanic urban center. This summary synthesizes key findings from Robertson (2016), highlighting Teotihuacan's significance as an early complex society and the abrupt nature of its collapse.
Cosmopolitanism in Mexican Visual Culture
Art historian María Fernández redefines cosmopolitanism as a fluctuating complex of relations, material and virtual, where power plays a cohesive yet unstable role. Her study examines Mexican visual culture through eight case studies, from colonial monuments to modern 'relational architecture,' revealing how cosmopolitanism is intertwined with power, violence, and the haunting legacy of colonialism. A key finding is that the cultural valorization of ancient sites like Teotihuacan during the Porfiriato period was often built on the destruction of living indigenous cultures, illustrating the dual nature of modernization and its consequences.
Stable Isotopes and Zooarchaeology at Teotihuacan, Mexico Reveal Earliest Evidence of Wild Carnivore Management in Mesoamerica
Research at Teotihuacan, Mexico, provides the earliest evidence of wild carnivore management for ritualistic purposes in Mesoamerica, predating historical accounts by nearly 1000 years. Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of bones and teeth from nearly 200 carnivorous animals, including eagles and felids, reveals that some were fed a maize-based diet, indicative of captivity. Skeletal pathologies further support this finding, showing signs of infectious disease and injuries consistent with captive conditions. This study challenges previous assumptions about the timing and extent of carnivore management in the region, offering new insights into the social and ritualistic significance of these animals during the construction of the Moon and Sun Pyramids (A.D. 1-550).
Vestigios del recurso costero en el sitio arqueológico de Teopancazco, Teotihuacan, Estado de México
Archaeological evidence from Teopancazco, a peripheral neighborhood of the ancient city of Teotihuacán, challenges the long-held assumption that pre-Hispanic inhabitants had limited access to coastal resources. The study identifies multiple fish species, including bobo mullet (Joturus pichardi), red snapper (Lutjanus sp), common snook (Centropomus sp), mojarra (Diapterus sp), and barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), preserved in the archaeological context. This discovery suggests that Teotihuacans not only had access to but also valued coastal resources, contradicting previous notions about their dietary preferences. The research synthesizes findings from prior studies on ichthyofauna capture, preparation, and use, providing a comprehensive overview of marine resource exploitation in this central Mexican plateau setting.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan