1. Mesoamerican Civilizations
The Americas

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

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

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

5. Olmec Head

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

9. Teotihuacan

10. Teotihuacan

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

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

18. Chichen Itza

20. Tikal

22. II. SOUTH AMERICA
Andean Societies

23. Chavin Cult (900 – BCE)
Maize
Stone Carving
Metallurgy

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

26. III. Oceania

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

28. 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

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