Episode 90: Decoding Teotihuacan w/ Magnus Pharao Hansen

The culture that thrived at Teotihuacan in the Classic period has a unique place in Mesoamerican history. Today, it is held as an emblem of the Mexican national past and is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the Americas. Nevertheless, curious visitors are told that the ethnic and linguistic affiliation of the Teotihuacanos remains unknown. Whereas the decipherment of other Mesoamerican writing systems has provided a wealth of information about dynasties and historical events, scholars have not been able to access information about Teotihuacan society from their own written sources. Indeed, the topic of writing at Teotihuacan prompts several contentious questions. Do signs in Teotihuacan imagery constitute writing? If it is writing, how did it work? Was it meant to be read independently of language? If it did represent a specific language, then what language was it?

Our guest: Dr. Magnus Pharao Hansen is an Anthropologist & Linguist who works as an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen. He is author of the book “Nahuatl Nation: Language Revitalization and Semiotic Sovereignty in Indigenous Mexico” which is forthcoming through Oxford University Press.

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!

Your Hosts:

Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

Find us:

• Bluesky
• Instagram

Merch: Shop Aztlantis

Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking