How Do You Spell TEOTIHUACAN?

Pronunciation: [tɪˈɒtɪhjˌuːakən] (IPA)

Teotihuacan is a historical site located in Mexico City, and the word itself can be difficult to spell. In IPA phonetics, it is written as tɛ.ɔtiˈwakan. This word consists of four syllables, with the emphasis or stress on the fourth syllable. The 't' at the beginning is followed by an 'e' sound as in 'red', and then the letters 'o' and 't' come together to make an 'ɔ' sound as in 'off'. The 'ahu' in the middle is pronounced as 'a' and 'oo' sounds, respectively. The word ends with 'kan', making a sound similar to 'can' in English.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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TEOTIHUACAN Meaning and Definition

  1. Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located in the Basin of Mexico, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of modern-day Mexico City. Considered one of the most influential and largest cities of the pre-Columbian Americas, Teotihuacan reached its peak between the 1st and 7th centuries CE. The term "Teotihuacan" translates to "the place where the gods were created" in the Nahuatl language, likely referring to the city's profound religious and ceremonial significance.

    Teotihuacan is renowned for its impressive urban planning and monumental architecture. The city features a gridded layout with major structures aligned along a central axis, including the iconic Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. These grand pyramids, along with numerous temples, palaces, and residential compounds, highlight the city's highly developed urban architecture and testify to the advanced engineering knowledge of its inhabitants.

    The civilization of Teotihuacan was characterized by a highly stratified social structure, with a ruling elite overseeing an extensive population engaged in agriculture, arts and crafts, and trade. The city also served as a major hub for long-distance trade networks, enabling the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural influences throughout Mesoamerica.

    Despite its significance, the civilization of Teotihuacan mysteriously declined and was abandoned by the 7th century CE, leaving historians and archaeologists puzzled to this day. Nevertheless, its cultural and architectural legacy continues to captivate scholars and tourists alike, making Teotihuacan a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for those interested in ancient Mesoamerican history.

Etymology of TEOTIHUACAN

The word "Teotihuacan" is derived from the Nahuatl language, which was spoken by the indigenous people of central Mexico, including the Aztecs. In Nahuatl, "teōtl" means "god" or "deity", and "huacan" means "place". Therefore, "Teotihuacan" translates to "the place where the gods were created" or "the place where the gods were born". The name refers to the ancient Mesoamerican city, known for its monumental pyramids and temples, located near present-day Mexico City.