Florero vessel,

350–550 CE

In the first centuries CE, Teotihuacan grew rapidly to become a massive metropolis, the largest in the Americas with perhaps 250,000 inhabitants. It was a cosmopolitan city with neighborhoods of migrant communities from throughout Mesoamerica. Part of Teotihuacan’s urban success was likely the result of its control over key sources of obsidian, a volcanic glass used to produce sharp, utilitarian blades but also meticulously flaked for use as fragile offertory objects. Fine ceramic vessels took distinctive forms, such as lidded tripods and floreros. The shape of the latter parallels modern flower vases though their ancient function is uncertain. Stone masks once may have adorned mortuary bundles, possibly lining the central road of the city and inspiring its name among the later Mexica as the micca otlica, the “Street of the Dead.” Teotihuacan’s political involvement and artistic influence is attested throughout much of Mesoamerica during its heyday and after.