In this article the progress of the research on cement hydration mechanisms is critically reviewed, starting with the work of Le Chatelier and Michaelis during the late nineteenth century. Proposed mechanisms are discussed in the light of experimental data to highlight the role of new or improved analytical techniques. The focus of this article lies on the dormant period and the silicate reaction. Today many of the mechanisms proposed throughout time cannot withstand experimental evidence and need to be rejected, including the classical protective hydrate layer theory. However, it seems likely that hydrated surface species are involved in the mechanism. Theories that aim to explain the rate changes solely based on the nucleation and growth of portlandite can also not withstand experimental evidence. Nevertheless, the retardation of portlandite crystal growth through silicate ions is a relevant factor. Especially since it might present a mechanism for the nucleation of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), backing up theories that propose C–S–H and portlandite to grow from the same nuclei. Finally, an overview over facts, that are currently considered to be valid and hence need to be regarded in the future mechanisms is given.