1. Fundamentals of Pre- Columbian America Foundations Lesson 8

2. Main Ideas: Mesoamerica most likely developed independently of influences from Europe, Asia, or AfricaMesoamerica most likely developed independently of influences from Europe, Asia, or Africa Mesoamerican civilizations are linked by a common culture that carried through the agesMesoamerican civilizations are linked by a common culture that carried through the ages The importance of religion in Mesoamerican society is fundamental to their various rises and collapses.The importance of religion in Mesoamerican society is fundamental to their various rises and collapses.

3. Stages of Mesoamerican History There are four stages to Mesoamercian development:There are four stages to Mesoamercian development: – Archaic (5000-1500 B.C.E.)—Prehistory –Formative (1500 B.C.E.-300 C.E.)—Olmec – Classical (300-900 C.E.)— Maya – Militarist (900-1500 C.E.)— Toltec, Aztec

4. Fundamental Development Typical nomadic-to- agriculture patternTypical nomadic-to- agriculture pattern Staple Foods: corn (85% of diet), beans, squashStaple Foods: corn (85% of diet), beans, squash Religion—typical of ag. society; corn deified; priests critical; sacrifice!Religion—typical of ag. society; corn deified; priests critical; sacrifice!

5. The Formative Era: The Olmec SE Mexico (Tabasco & Veracruz)SE Mexico (Tabasco & Veracruz) Cities>>religious & trade centers; farming villages surroundingCities>>religious & trade centers; farming villages surrounding Achievements: astronomy, math, hieroglyphs, Colossal HeadsAchievements: astronomy, math, hieroglyphs, Colossal Heads

6. Formative Influences Olmec developments that carry through to the AztecsOlmec developments that carry through to the Aztecs Combined political & religious ruleCombined political & religious rule Meticulous work in astronomyMeticulous work in astronomy

7. Formative Influences Cyclical CalendarCyclical Calendar – combines solar year (365) with religious year (260) – reflects ideas of interaction of cosmic & physical worlds – 52 yr. confluence— cyclical idea of time (record-keeping)

8. The Classic Maya City-states as opposed to kingdoms/empiresCity-states as opposed to kingdoms/empires Importance of tradeImportance of trade – obsidian – foodstuffs – feathers – cacao

9. Mayan Culture Concept of zeroConcept of zero Religious changesReligious changes – less sacrifice – importance of god Quetzalcoatl (god of the wind, morning star, & learning) Ideographic writingIdeographic writing Collapse?Collapse?

10. Militarist Societies Key groups: Teotihuacan civ., Toltec, AztecKey groups: Teotihuacan civ., Toltec, Aztec Characterized by imperial powers, greater urbanization, frequent warfare (war gods)Characterized by imperial powers, greater urbanization, frequent warfare (war gods) Trade networks more centralizedTrade networks more centralized Religion—much greater sacrifice!Religion—much greater sacrifice!

11. Teotihuacan Builders: unknownBuilders: unknown Key features: Temples of Sun, Moon, Quetzalcoatl; Avenue of the DeadKey features: Temples of Sun, Moon, Quetzalcoatl; Avenue of the Dead Aztecs—key ceremonial center (“City of the Gods”)Aztecs—key ceremonial center (“City of the Gods”)

12. The Valley of Mexico Ringed by volcanic mtns.—temperate climate, rich soil, lakesRinged by volcanic mtns.—temperate climate, rich soil, lakes Mexico’s most fertile farmlandMexico’s most fertile farmland