Refining the absolute chronology of Teotihuacan (Mesoamerica): New archaeomagnetic datings of fire footprints

ABS T R A C T Teotihuacan is considered as the best planned and largest pre-Hispanic city in Mesoamerica. One of the causes, related to the decline of the Teotihuacan, is the so-called "Big Fire". However, associated chronological con-straints are still poorly defined. Here, we report new archaeomagnetic dates of three burned walls located in the Plaza de la Luna vicinity, considered as the last construction stage of Teotihuacan. Detailed rock-magnetic and absolute archaeointensity studies were performed on 24 samples allowing to determine both mean directions and absolute intensities. Magnetic dating using full geomagnetic vector provided a time interval between 327 and 441 CE as the best estimate of the last fire exposure of studied footprints. This new data, in combination with previous results, suggest that Teotihuac ' an experienced various fire episodes probably caused and controlled during public acts loaded with symbolic values, such as the rituals for the termination of a cycle or those related to the beginning of a new constructive stage.