1. Chapter 7 Peoples and Civilizations of the Americas, from 1200 B.C.E.

2. Maya Scribe
Maya Scribe. Maya scribes used a complex writing system to record religious concepts and memorialize the actions of their kings. An artisan painted this picture of a scribe on a ceramic plate.
Maya scribes used a complex writing system to record religious concepts and memorialize their kings’ actions. An artisan painted this scribe on a ceramic plate.

3. Formative Civilizations of the Olmec and Chavín, 1200-250 B.C.E.
The Mesoamerican Olmec, B.C.E.
most significant pre-classic society
kingship and urban centers
Early South American Civilization: Chavín, B.C.E.
labor organization and llamas

4. Map 8.1 Olmec and Chavín Civilizations
The regions of Mesoamerica (most of modern Mexico and Central America) and the Andean highlands of South America have hosted impressive civilizations since early times.
The civilizations of the Olmec and Chavín were the originating civilizations of these two regions, providing the foundations of architecture, city planning, and religion.
Map 8.1: Olmec and Chavín Civilizations. The regions of Mesoamerica (most of modern Mexico and Central America) and the Andean highlands of South America have hosted impressive civilizations since early times. The civilizations of the Olmec and Chavín were the originating civilizations of these two regions, providing the foundations of architecture, city planning, and religion. © Cengage Learning

5. Olmec Head
Giant heads sculpted from basalt are a widely recognized legacy of Olmec culture.
Sixteen heads have been found, the largest approximately 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall.
Experts in Olmec archaeology believe the heads are portraits of individual rulers, warriors, or ballplayers.
Olmec Head. Giant heads sculpted from basalt are a widely recognized legacy of Olmec culture. Sixteen heads have been found, the largest approximately 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall. Experts in Olmec archaeology believe the heads are portraits of individual rulers, warriors, or ballplayers.

6. Formative Civilizations of the Olmec and Chavín, 1200-250 B. C. E
Formative Civilizations of the Olmec and Chavín, B.C.E.: Discussion
How did Olmec and Chavín influence later Mesoamerican and Andean civilizations?

7. Classic-Era Culture and Society in Mesoamerica, 200–900
Teotihuacan
elite control and organization
architectural and agricultural innovations: chinampas
extensive trade

8. The Temple of the Sun
The temple of the sun in the background is the largest pyramid in Tenochtitlan. The smaller temple of Quetzalcoatl in the foreground displays the serpent images associated with this culture god common to most Mesoamerican civilizations.
The Temple of the Sun. The temple of the sun in background is the largest pyramid in Tenochtitlan. The smaller temple of Quetzalcoatl in foreground displays the serpent images associated with this culture god common to most Mesoamerican civilizations.

9. Classic-Era Culture and Society in Mesoamerica, 200–900
The Maya
association of city-states
agricultural productivity
technology: calendar system, concept of zero, writing

10. Map 8.2 Maya Civilization, 250–1400 C.E.
The Maya never created an integrated and unified state.
Instead Maya civilization developed as a complex network of independent city-states.
Map 8.2: Maya Civilization, 250–1400 C.E. The Maya never created an integrated and unified state. Instead Maya civilization developed as a complex network of independent city-states. © Cengage Learning

11. The Great Plaza at Tikal
The impressive architectural and artistic achievements of the classic-era Maya are still visible in the ruins of Tikal, in modern Guatemala. Maya centers provided a dramatic setting for the rituals that dominated public life. Construction of Tikal began before 150 B.C.E.; the city was abandoned about 900 C.E. A ball court and residences for the elite were part of the Great Plaza.
The Great Plaza at Tikal. The impressive architectural and artistic achievements of the classic-era Maya are still visible in the ruins of Tikal, in modern Guatemala. Maya centers provided a dramatic setting for the rituals that dominated public life. Construction of Tikal began before 150 B.C.E.; the city was abandoned about 900 C.E. A ball court and residences for the elite were part of the Great Plaza.

12. The Mesoamerican Ball Game
The Mesoamerican Ball Game. From Guatemala to Arizona, archaeologists have found evidence of an ancient ball game played with a solid rubber ball on slope-sided courts shaped like a capital T. Among the Maya the game was associated with a creation myth and thus had deep religious meaning. Evidence suggests that some players were sacrificed. In this scene from a ceramic jar, players wearing elaborate ritual clothing—which includes heavy, protective pads around the chest and waist—play with a ball much larger than the ball actually used in such games. Some representations show balls drawn to suggest a human head.
From Guatemala to Arizona, archaeologists have found evidence of an ancient ball game played with a solid rubber ball on slope-sided courts shaped like a capital T. Among the Maya the game was associated with a creation myth and thus had deep religious meaning. Evidence suggests that some players were sacrificed. In this scene from a ceramic jar, players wearing elaborate ritual clothing—which includes heavy, protective pads around the chest and waist—play with a ball much larger than the ball actually used in such games. Some representations show balls drawn to suggest a human head.

13. Classic-Era Culture and Society in Mesoamerica, 200–900: Discussion
What were the most important shared characteristics of Mesoamerican cultures in the classic period?

14. The Postclassic Period in Mesoamerica, 900–1300
The Toltecs
conquest state
architecture - increased violence
Cholula
trade center and religious destination

15. Map 8.3 Postclassic Mesoamerica
Map 8.3: Postclassic Mesoamerica. From their capital, Tula, the Toltecs exercised political and cultural influence across a vast region. © Cengage Learning
From their capital, Tula, the Toltecs exercised political and cultural influence across a vast region.

16. Tula
The capital of the Toltecs was dominated by massive public architecture like these carved stone figures.
Tula. The capital of the Toltecs was dominated by massive public architecture like these carved stone figures.

17. The Postclassic Period in Mesoamerica, 900–1300: Discussion
What role did warfare play in the postclassic period of Mesoamerica?

18. Northern Peoples Southwestern Desert Cultures Hohokam
Anasazi: built cities with underground kivas
Mound Builders: The Hopewell and Mississippian Cultures
hereditary chiefdoms
mound building
Cahokia

19. Map 8.4 Culture Areas of North America
In each of the large ecological regions of North America, native peoples evolved distinctive cultures and technologies.
Here the Anasazi of the arid southwest and the mound-building cultures of the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys are highlighted.
Map 8.4: Culture Areas of North America. In each of the large ecological regions of North America, native peoples evolved distinctive cultures and technologies. Here the Anasazi of the arid southwest and the mound-building cultures of the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys are highlighted. © Cengage Learning

20. Mesa Verde Cliff Dwelling
Located in southern Colorado, the Anasazi cliff dwellings of the Mesa Verde region hosted a population of about 7,000 in 1250 C.E. The construction of housing complexes and religious buildings in the area’s large caves was prompted by increased warfare in the region.
Mesa Verde Cliff Dwelling. Located in southern Colorado, the Anasazi cliff dwellings of the Mesa Verde region hosted a population of about 7,000 in 1250 C.E. The construction of housing complexes and religious buildings in the area’s large caves was prompted by increased warfare in the region.

21. Northern Peoples: Discussion
In what ways did Mesoamerica influence the cultural centers in North America?

22. Andean Civilizations, 200–1400
Cultural Response to Environmental Challenge
altitude, plains and the Amazon
four major ecological zones
labor: the clan (ayllu) and mita
The Early Intermediate Period Moche
irrigated agriculture, regional exchange, religious elite

23. Map 8.5 Andean Civilizations, 200 B.C.E.–1532 C.E.
In response to these difficult environmental challenges, Andean peoples evolved complex social and technological adaptations.
Irrigation systems, the domestication of the llama, metallurgy, and shared labor obligations helped provide a firm economic foundation for powerful, centralized states.
Map 8.5: Andean Civilizations, 200 B.C.E.–1532 C.E. In response to these difficult environmental challenges, Andean peoples evolved complex social and technological adaptations. Irrigation systems, the domestication of the llama, metallurgy, and shared labor obligations helped provide a firm economic foundation for powerful, centralized states. © Cengage Learning

24. Moche Warrior
The Moche of ancient Peru were among the most accomplished ceramic artists of the Americas. Moche potters produced representations of gods and spirits, scenes of daily life, and portrait vases of important people.
This warrior is armed with a mace, shield, and protective helmet.
Moche Warrior. The Moche of ancient Peru were among the most accomplished ceramic artists of the Americas. Moche potters produced representations of gods and spirits, scenes of daily life, and portrait vases of important people. This warrior is armed with a mace, shield, and protective helmet. The Trustees of the British Museum/Art Resource, NY

25. Andean Civilizations, 200–1400
Tiwanaku and Wari
powerful militaries
long-distance trade networks
Chimú
new empire in former Moche region

26. The Ritual Center of Tiwanaku
During the Middle Horizon period Tiwanaku was one of the most impressive cities in the Andean region. The ritual center was characterized by beautiful stone construction, sunken plazas, and by large carved stone representations of the gods.
The Ritual Center of Tiwanaku. During the Middle Horizon period Tiwanaku was one of the most impressive cities in the Andean region. The ritual center was characterized by beautiful stone construction, sunken plazas, and by large carved stone representations of the gods.

27. Andean Civilizations, 200–1400: Discussion
How did the Amerindian peoples of the Andean area adapt to their environment and produce socially complex and politically advanced societies?

28. Chapter Chronology: 5000 B.C.E.-1500 C.E.
Empty cell
Mesoamerica
Northern Peoples
Andean Region
Before 5000 B.C.E. Domestication of maize, beans, and squash
 Empty cell
Before 5000 B.C.E. Domestication of potato, quinoa, manioc, and llama
5000 B.C.E.
Before 2000 B.C.E. Early urbanization
Before 2000 B.C.E. Domestication of squash and seed crops like sunflower
Before 2000 B.C.E. Urbanization
2000 B.C.E.
1200 B.C.E. Beginning of Olmec civilization
2000 B.C.E. Metallurgy; domestication of sweet potato
1000 B.C.E.
900 B.C.E. Beginning of Chavin civilization
500 B.C.E.
400 B.C.E. End of Olmec civilization
200 B.C.E. End of Chavin civilization
100 C.E.
100 First stage of Teotihuacan temple complex
200 Maya early classic period begins
Hopewell culture in Ohio River Valley
200 Moche begin to dominate Peru­vian coast
500 C.E.
450 Teotihuacan dominates central Mexico
750 Teotihuacan destroyed
Maya classic-era cities abandoned
968 Toltec capital of Tula founded
700 beginnings of Anasazi culture in Four Corners region
800 beginnings of Mississippian culture
Tiwanaku and Wari control Andean highlands
700 End of Moche domination
900 Chimu begin to dominate Peru­vian coast
1000 C.E.
1175 Tula destroyed
Cahokia reaches peak population
1150 Anasazi center of Pueblo Bonito abandoned; other Anasazi centers enter crisis after 1200
1500 C.E.
Until 1300 Culhuacan and Cholula continue Toltec tradition
1470s End of Chimu domination
Description of the table: A chronology of Mesoamerica, northern peoples and the Andean region from 5000 B.C.E to 1500 C.E.