In 600 a.d. Teotihuacán was one of the largest cities in the world. Two great pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, rose along the mile-long central avenue. Here too was the sacred Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent deity of the Totonac people. The people wrote about their world with pictures known as glyphs. They played ball games and traded their goods over great distances. They developed mathematics and created music and art. They created a rich and diverse culture for all the people of Teotihuacán. But history has taught that nations do not last forever. By 750 a.d., the great city of Teotihuacán fell to ruins, like so many before. The people scattered throughout Mesoamerica to begin a new way of life. The Temple of Quetzalcoatl is one of many pyramids in the ancient city of Teotihuacán. 1150  Mexica people arrive in the central region that would become known as the Valley of Mexico. 1325  Mexica city of Tenochtitlan becomes center of culture and power throughout Mesoamerica. Inca city of Machu Picchu becomes center of culture and power of the Inca Empire. 1533  Inca Empire is conquered by Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizzaro. 1200  Inca people of northwestern South America rise to power. 1521  Mexica Empire is conquered by Spanish conquistadors led by Hernan Cortes. 1100 1095  First Crusade ordered by Pope Urban II. 1200 1291  Last European 1300 1400 1500 1519  Hernan Cortes leaves Cuba and begins the conquest of the Mexica. 1430  Portugal is leading sea power of Europe. Prince Henry the Navigator leads Portugal’s navy. crusade to the Holy Lands comes to an end. 1469  Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon marry to unite the kingdoms of Spain. 1492  Christopher Columbus sails west from Europe to find a sea route for trade to India; discovers the Americas. Chapter 4 • Arizona in the World  39