Mesoamerican Civilizations The Americas

Mesoamerica: Land area south of the US and North of South America

Geography NOT based in a river Tropical Climate Geographic Diversity No Domestic Animals Seasonal Rains

The Olmecs “Mother Culture” Economy Rubber People No Metal Tools Large Stone Heads Economy Agriculture Few Raw Materials (needed trade)

Olmec Head

Teotihuacan (250 BC – 800 CE) “Place of the Gods” 1st Major City Agriculture Mostly Farmers Trade

Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan

Maya (300 – 900 CE) Yucatan Peninsula City States Writing System Central Pyramid Conflict Writing System Hieroglypics * Bishop Diego LeDanda

Calendar Religion Politics Polytheistic Human Sacrifice Powerful Kings Hereditary Ruling Class August 13 3114 BC  December 23 2012 CE 2 Calendars Solar (365 Days) Sacred (260 Days) Supreme God: Itzamna

Chichen Itza

Tikal

II. SOUTH AMERICA Andean Societies

Chavin Cult (900 – BCE) Maize Stone Carving Metallurgy

Moche Moche River Society Decline – 8th Century Irrigated Farming Maize, Potatoes, Cotton, Peanuts Society No Written Language Decline – 8th Century

III. Oceania

Oceania: Oceania is a geographic, often geopolitical region consisting of numerous lands—mostly islands in the Pacific Ocean and vicinity

Peopling of the Pacific Islands Begins about 1500 BCE Australia – Hunters and Gatherers N. Guinea – Yams, Taro, Pigs and Chickens Vanuato, Fiji, Samoa, Hawaii, Easter Island, New Zealand

Society Hierarchical Chiefdoms (Patrilineal) 500 BCE – Trade Networks fall apart Conflict and Population Pressure