Teotihuacan, known as the "City of the Gods," remains one of the most enigmatic civilizations of ancient Mesoamerica. Its origins date back to around 400 BCE, when small settlements began to emerge in the Valley of Mexico. Over the centuries, these settlements merged, gradually forming what would become the largest and most influential city of its time. The exact reasons for its rise are still debated, but archaeologists believe that a combination of favorable geography, trade opportunities, and sociopolitical factors contributed to Teotihuacan's emergence as a dominant power.

The valley's rich volcanic soil provided fertile land for agriculture, supporting crops such as maize, beans, and squash. The region was also strategically located along key trade routes, allowing early inhabitants to engage in commerce with neighboring cultures. As the population grew, so did the need for organization, leading to the development of complex social structures. Unlike other civilizations that revolved around a single ruling dynasty, Teotihuacan appears to have been governed by a collective leadership, possibly a council of elites who controlled different aspects of city life.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Teotihuacan's early history is the origin of its name. The Aztecs, who discovered the abandoned ruins centuries later, named it "Teotihuacan," meaning "the place where gods were born." This suggests that even in ancient times, the city held a sense of divine significance. Mythology and spiritual beliefs were deeply intertwined with its development, as seen in its grand temples and pyramids, which were aligned with celestial movements.