Ancient Civilizations of the Americas Lecture 9: The Basin of Mexico in the Late PreClassic – Early Classic

Middle Preclassic: Zacatenco Phase: BC Olmec motifs are discontinued. Population of the Basin of Mexico 20,000, with population concentrated in the southern half. Cuicuilco had a population probably of 2000 Late Preclassic: Ticoman Phase: BC Population grows to 90,000 Cuicuilco population grows to 5,000-10,000

Ticoman Phase Patlachique Phase

Patlachique Phase: 150 BC – 1 AD Cuicuilco: population 20,000 Several large platforms constructed, largest 20m high/80m dia. Cuicuilco buried under two lava flows from Mt. Xitli in 50 BC.

Teotihuacan Located at the head of a number of springs. Obsidian specialization underway. Tzacualli Phase AD Population of Teotihuacan goes from 15,000 to 80,000 as the entire Basin of Mexico is unified under its control. The pyramid of the sun is constructed over a cave with four chambers. Mayan sources indicate it was possibly called “Flower Mountain.” City is built on a cruciform plan, with the “Avenue of the Dead” running North-South.

Miccaotli Phase ( AD): Ciudadela is built. It covers 16 ha. and is nearly as massive as the Pyramid of the Sun. “Temple of Quetzalcoatl” possibly dedicated to the “Great Goddess” aka Feathered Serpent Temple