early civilizations of the mesoamerica

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Early Civilizations Early Civilizations of The Mesoamerica of The Mesoamerica Human Settlement in the Americas Human Settlement in the Americas

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Page 1: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

Early Civilizations of The Early Civilizations of The MesoamericaMesoamerica

Human Settlement in the AmericasHuman Settlement in the Americas

Page 2: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

The Civilizations of MesoamericaThe Civilizations of MesoamericaWhile classical

civilizations were developing in the

Mediterranean & Asia…

…advanced societies were developing in

isolation in the Americas

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Page 4: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

Pacific Ocean (Sea West)

Pacific Ocean (Sea West)

The name "Mesoamerica" is a term used to identify the heartland of a number of significant pre-Columbian cultures. The area of Mesoamerica encompasses many of the states of southern Mexico, and most of the countries of Central America, including Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and part of Costa Rica. It is bounded on the north by the Gulf of Mexico, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, and on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean.

Gulf of Mexico (Sea East)

Gulf of Mexico (Sea East)

Page 5: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

MesoamericaMesoamerica

Mesoamerica (better acquaintance as Central Mesoamerica (better acquaintance as Central America) it is one of the two areas of America (the America) it is one of the two areas of America (the other one is the central part of the Andes) that had other one is the central part of the Andes) that had urban civilizations, or "superior cultures" in the time urban civilizations, or "superior cultures" in the time of the Spanish conquest, in 1519. of the Spanish conquest, in 1519.

This demonstrates the fact that the Meso-American This demonstrates the fact that the Meso-American ones built pyramids and spectacular temples, they had ones built pyramids and spectacular temples, they had big markets, a sacred calendar, a hieroglyphic big markets, a sacred calendar, a hieroglyphic writing, a group of gods, they practiced the ball game writing, a group of gods, they practiced the ball game and they carried out human sacrifices. and they carried out human sacrifices. 

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MesoamericaMesoamerica

Yucatan Peninsula

Gulf Of Mexico

X

Mexico City

Honduras

Belize

Guatemala

El Salvador

Page 7: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

Early Civilizations of The Early Civilizations of The MesoamericaMesoamerica

OlmecOlmec TeotihuacanTeotihuacan

ToltecToltec MayaMaya AztecAztec

Page 8: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

Mesoamericans CivilizationsMesoamericans Civilizations

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Page 10: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

The Last Ice AgeThe Last Ice Age::1. Between 1. Between 20,00020,000 and and 40,00040,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, years ago during the last Ice Age, glaciersglaciers covered a large part of covered a large part of the Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, and Northern Asia). the Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, and Northern Asia).

2. Water level in oceans 2. Water level in oceans decreaseddecreased due to increase in size of glaciers. due to increase in size of glaciers.

3. Land was exposed in 3. Land was exposed in Bering StraitBering Strait between Asia and North America. between Asia and North America.

4. Land bridge is known as 4. Land bridge is known as BeringiaBeringia. About 750 miles wide. . About 750 miles wide.

ICE AGE: Period of time when glaciers covered many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

GLACIERS: A huge sheet of ice.

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TitleTitle Text Text

During the Ice Age, prehistoric nomads migrated

across the land bridge between Asia & America

During the Neolithic Revolution, these

nomads settled into farming villages; Some of which

became advanced civilizations

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Early American MigrationEarly American Migration::1. Herds of animals migrated over land bridge.1. Herds of animals migrated over land bridge.

2. Groups of 2. Groups of human nomadshuman nomads followed herds. followed herds.

3. Over thousands of years, early Americans migrated to all parts of the America’s. 3. Over thousands of years, early Americans migrated to all parts of the America’s.

NOMADNOMAD:: A person or group of people who move from place to place in search of food. A person or group of people who move from place to place in search of food. Asia

North America

Bering Strait

Page 13: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

How did people first get to the Americas?

Bering Strait TheoriesBering Strait Theories

When ocean levels dropped, a land “bridge” formed between Alaska and Russia

Earliest migrations about 12,000 - 40,000 years ago

Second migration about 4,500 years ago across Canada.

Contested by many Traditionalists / Natives!

Page 14: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

Asia

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Page 16: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

4. These early humans were Stone Age people. Stone was their most advanced form of technology for tools and weapons.

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First AmericansFirst Americans::1. Depended on 1. Depended on huntinghunting and and gatheringgathering for food and clothing. for food and clothing.2. Could not 2. Could not farmfarm. . 3. Tools and weapons made from 3. Tools and weapons made from stonestone, , bonebone, and , and woodwood. . 4. Died in early 30’s.4. Died in early 30’s.5. Followed herds of animals across land bridge to North America. 5. Followed herds of animals across land bridge to North America.

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A long and wide knife A long and wide knife

The axes were used to cut or as hammers. 

 CLOVIS: Stone knives & Spear points

 

Page 19: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

Animals They HuntedAnimals They Hunted:: Wooly mammoth.Wooly mammoth. Bear.Bear. Bison.Bison. Deer. Deer. Anything they could Anything they could

catch and eat. catch and eat.

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The capture of aquatic birds with nets was very The capture of aquatic birds with nets was very extended in Mesoamerica, in the areas of the lakes.  extended in Mesoamerica, in the areas of the lakes. 

   

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FarmingFarming::11. Around . Around 5,0005,000 BC, humans in BC, humans in

Central America learned to Central America learned to farm. farm.

2. At first, they grew 2. At first, they grew corncorn, , beansbeans, , and and squashsquash..

3. Over time, other humans in the 3. Over time, other humans in the America’s learned to farm.America’s learned to farm.

4. This allowed for civilizations 4. This allowed for civilizations to emerge.to emerge.

Beans

Corn (Maize)

Squash

Page 22: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

The OlmecanThe Olmecan

Page 23: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

The OlmecsThe Olmecs

The first American civilization were people known as the Olmec in an area known as Mesoamerica

The Olmecs are often called the “mother

culture” because they influenced other

Mesoamerican societies

Page 24: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

The OlmecsThe OlmecsThe Olmecs developed a strong trade network in Mesoamerica that brought them great wealth

The Olmecs used their wealth to build large stone monuments & pyramids to honor their leaders & gods

Olmec trade allowed them to

spread their culture to other Mesoamericans

For unknown reasons, the Olmec civilization

declined by 400 B.C. but their cities & symbols

influenced later cultures, especially the Mayans

Page 25: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

Mesoamerica, southern Mexico and northern Central America, was ideal for farming. Cities and complex social structures arose there too.

• Lived in hot, humid lowlands

• 1250 BC to200B.C.

• Built first large towns in Mesoamerica

• Earliest Olmec town– Pyramid, courtyard– Eight giant stone heads– Thronelike monuments

• Towns served as ceremonial, political and religious centers

Olmec• Olmec rulers, families lived in

towns

• Lower social classes lived outside the towns

• Elite led ceremonies, controlled trade network

• Trade – From Gulf to Pacific coast– Rubber, pottery, furs– Also beliefs, art, games

Society

The First Civilizations

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OLMEC CIVILIZATIONOLMEC CIVILIZATION Appeared around 1250 BCEAppeared around 1250 BCE

In swampy region along the In swampy region along the Gulf of Mexico near modern-Gulf of Mexico near modern-day Vera Cruzday Vera Cruz Not in a river valleyNot in a river valley

Three major cities:La Venta, Three major cities:La Venta, San Lorenzo, and TrSan Lorenzo, and Très Zapotesès Zapotes

““Olmec” was not what the Olmec” was not what the people called themselves. It people called themselves. It means “rubber people” and means “rubber people” and comes from the rubber trees that comes from the rubber trees that flourish in the regionflourish in the region

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Map of Olmec Empire:Map of Olmec Empire:

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  La Venta: La Venta:  Ceremonial Olmec Centre.Ceremonial Olmec Centre.

   La Venta was inhabited by people of the Olmec Culture from 1200 BC La Venta was inhabited by people of the Olmec Culture from 1200 BC

until 400 BC after which the site appears to have been abandoned. It is until 400 BC after which the site appears to have been abandoned. It is believed to have been an important civic and ceremonial centre.believed to have been an important civic and ceremonial centre.

Today, the entire southern end of the site is covered by a petroleum Today, the entire southern end of the site is covered by a petroleum refinery and has been largely demolished, making further excavations refinery and has been largely demolished, making further excavations difficult or impossible.difficult or impossible.

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Page 30: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

San Lorenzo:San Lorenzo:   Early Olmec culture had emerged centred around the San Lorenzo Early Olmec culture had emerged centred around the San Lorenzo

Tenochtitlán site near the coast in southeast Veracruz. They were the Tenochtitlán site near the coast in southeast Veracruz. They were the first Mesoamerican civilization and laid many of the foundations for first Mesoamerican civilization and laid many of the foundations for the civilizations that followed. Among other "firsts", there is evidence the civilizations that followed. Among other "firsts", there is evidence that the Olmec practiced ritual bloodletting and played the that the Olmec practiced ritual bloodletting and played the Mesoamerican ballgame, hallmarks of nearly all subsequent Mesoamerican ballgame, hallmarks of nearly all subsequent Mesoamerican societies.Mesoamerican societies.

San Lorenzo is best known today for the colossal Olmec stone heads San Lorenzo is best known today for the colossal Olmec stone heads unearthed there, the greatest of which weighs onwards of 40 unearthed there, the greatest of which weighs onwards of 40 tons (3) and is 3 metres high.tons (3) and is 3 metres high.

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Tres Zapotes: Tres Zapotes: 

(Olmec Capital).(Olmec Capital).

Located on the slopes of the Tuxtla mountains, this is Located on the slopes of the Tuxtla mountains, this is one of the most important Olmec cities, and the first one of the most important Olmec cities, and the first to be written about in 1868, along with the first to be written about in 1868, along with the first reports of colossal heads. Tres Zapotes is sometimes reports of colossal heads. Tres Zapotes is sometimes referred to as the third Olmec Capital, as it followed referred to as the third Olmec Capital, as it followed on the demise of both La Venta and San Lorenzo.on the demise of both La Venta and San Lorenzo.

Of particular interest to archaeology is that the site Of particular interest to archaeology is that the site was continuously inhabited for over 2000 years (1)was continuously inhabited for over 2000 years (1)

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Intensive agricultural techniquesIntensive agricultural techniquesArea received abundant rainfall so extensive Area received abundant rainfall so extensive

irrigation systems were unnecessaryirrigation systems were unnecessaryThe Olmecs built elaborate drainage systemsThe Olmecs built elaborate drainage systems

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Page 34: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica
Page 35: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

The jaguar god: is the most important god, god of The jaguar god: is the most important god, god of

life, represented by an animal half jaguar, half-serpent.life, represented by an animal half jaguar, half-serpent.

•Huehueteotl old god, the god of fire.

•Quetzalcoatl: god of rain, weather and corn. It is represented as a feathered serpent.

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Page 38: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

OLMEC ACHIEVEMENTSOLMEC ACHIEVEMENTS Talented engineers and architectsTalented engineers and architects

Built underground sewer Built underground sewer system at San Lorenzosystem at San Lorenzo

Built pyramids and palaces Built pyramids and palaces from stonefrom stone

Also carved giant stone headsAlso carved giant stone heads Largest is 9 feet tall and weighs Largest is 9 feet tall and weighs

15 tons15 tons No one knows their exact No one knows their exact

functionfunction

Also developed a writing system Also developed a writing system and a system to record calendar and a system to record calendar datesdates

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architecturearchitecture

The Olmec architecture is to build The Olmec architecture is to build platforms around a courtyard, platforms around a courtyard, which houses and temples were which houses and temples were builtbuilt

LL

•Olmec artists distinguished themselves in carving stone.

•Colossal heads carved, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic sculptures, tombs, altars with reliefs and huge tombs, and sculptures that look human.

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This basalt This basalt head head

measures 1.5 measures 1.5 meters high meters high

and it weighs and it weighs more than 20 more than 20

tons.  tons. 

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This Olmecan This Olmecan statuette represents a statuette represents a

bald boy. bald boy.  His facial features  His facial features

are similar to those of are similar to those of

Asia. Asia. 

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Page 43: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

The “Mother Culture”The “Mother Culture”

• Many historians consider the Olmec civilization the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica.

• A mother culture is a way of life that strongly influences later cultures.

• The Olmec empire led to the development of other civilizations, such as the Maya and the Aztec.

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Page 45: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

Decline of the OlmecDecline of the Olmec

Olmecs systematically destroyed their Olmecs systematically destroyed their ceremonial centers and then deserted the sitesceremonial centers and then deserted the sites Statues were broken and buried, monuments Statues were broken and buried, monuments

defaced, and capitals burneddefaced, and capitals burned No one knows why!No one knows why! but some speculate reasons involving civil but some speculate reasons involving civil

conflicts or doubts about the effectiveness or conflicts or doubts about the effectiveness or legitimacy of the ruling classeslegitimacy of the ruling classes

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The TeotihuacánThe Teotihuacán

Page 47: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica
Page 48: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

TEOTIHUACTEOTIHUACÁNÁN Olmec civilization faded Olmec civilization faded

around 900 BCE but around 900 BCE but influenced later civilizationsinfluenced later civilizations

TeotihuacTeotihuacánán 100-700 AD100-700 AD Giant city containing Giant city containing

200,000 people200,000 people Two giant pyramidsTwo giant pyramids

Pyramid of the SunPyramid of the Sun Pyramid of the MoonPyramid of the Moon

Hundreds of other Hundreds of other buildingsbuildings

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Page 50: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica
Page 51: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

Teotihuacán Teotihuacán City PlanCity Plan

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City City Plan Plan

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City PlanCity Plan

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Avenue of the Dead

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The Pyramid of the SunIt is the largest building in Teotihuacán and one of the largest in Mesoamerica

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The Pyramid of the Sun

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Pyramid of the SunPyramid of the Sun

The name Pyramid of the Sun comes from the The name Pyramid of the Sun comes from the Aztecs.Aztecs.

The first construction stage around 100 A.D & the The first construction stage around 100 A.D & the second round of construction resulted in its second round of construction resulted in its completed size of 738 feet (225 meters) across and completed size of 738 feet (225 meters) across and 246 feet (75 meters) high.246 feet (75 meters) high.

It’s the third largest pyramid in the world.It’s the third largest pyramid in the world. The ancient Teotihuacans finished their pyramid The ancient Teotihuacans finished their pyramid

with lime plaster, painted brilliantly colored murals.with lime plaster, painted brilliantly colored murals.

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Structure Measurements, Location Structure Measurements, Location and Orientationand Orientation

Dimension Value

Height 233.5 feet / 71.2 metres

Base perimeter 2,932.8 feet / 893.9 metres

Side 733.2 feet / 223.5 metres

1/2 Side 366.6 feet / 111.7 metres

Angle of slope 32.494

Lateral Surface Area637,370.76 square feet / 59,213.681 square metres (assumes perfect square base and smooth faces)

Volume41,841,817 cubic feet / 1,184,828.3 cubic metres (assumes perfect square base and smooth faces)

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Teotihuacán: "Pyramid Of The Moon"Teotihuacán: "Pyramid Of The Moon"

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The Pyramid of the Moon

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Pyramid of the MoonPyramid of the Moon

The Pyramid of the Moon is the second largest pyramid in The Pyramid of the Moon is the second largest pyramid in Teotihuacan.Teotihuacan.

It is located in the western part of Teotihuacan.It is located in the western part of Teotihuacan.

The Pyramid of the Moon covers a structure older than the The Pyramid of the Moon covers a structure older than the Pyramid of the Sun which existed prior to 200 AD.Pyramid of the Sun which existed prior to 200 AD.

The Pyramid's construction between 200 and 450 ADThe Pyramid's construction between 200 and 450 AD

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Courtyard, Pyramid Of The MoonPyramid Is North End Of The Complex

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The talud-tablero style

a prominent stylistic feature of

Teotihuacan

architecture

Page 64: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

TALUD- TABLERO STYLETALUD- TABLERO STYLE

Talud-tablero style used in many Mesoamerican pyramids and Talud-tablero style used in many Mesoamerican pyramids and a prominent stylistic feature of Teotihuacano architecture.a prominent stylistic feature of Teotihuacano architecture.

It consists of a platform structure.It consists of a platform structure.

The tablero-on top of an inward-sloping surface or panel.The tablero-on top of an inward-sloping surface or panel.

The taludThe talud--the slope-and-panel style.the slope-and-panel style.

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An overview of An overview of differing Talud-differing Talud-tablero stylestablero styles

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Temple of the Feathered Serpent in Teotihuacán

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The Main Stairway Up The "Temple Of Quetzalcoatl"

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The Great CompoundThe Great CompoundFeathered Serpent Pyramid Feathered Serpent Pyramid

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Quetzalcoatl HeadQuetzalcoatl Head

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A detail found on the Quetzalcóatl Pyramid A detail found on the Quetzalcóatl Pyramid

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Quetzalcoatl Head Quetzalcoatl Head Serpent

The Great CompoundFeathered Serpent Pyramid

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Remains

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The masks can have been dead people's portraits. The masks can have been dead people's portraits. This is a mask of Jade coming from Teotihuacán. This is a mask of Jade coming from Teotihuacán. 

  The holes in the lobes of the ears are to take earrings.   The holes in the lobes of the ears are to take earrings. 

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Page 75: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

The Toltec CultureThe Toltec Culture

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Highlands of central Mexico, 900 to 1200 ADHighlands of central Mexico, 900 to 1200 AD

Capital located at Tula, near obsidian minesCapital located at Tula, near obsidian mines

Major trade centerMajor trade center

Pyramids, temples Pyramids, temples

Militaristic societyMilitaristic society

Fierce warriors established dominance over large regionFierce warriors established dominance over large region

Established trade network which stretched into northern South AmericaEstablished trade network which stretched into northern South America Developed impressive metal-working industryDeveloped impressive metal-working industry

Specialized in jewelrySpecialized in jewelry worked turquoise, gold, copper, tin, mica, and lead, together with green stones, worked turquoise, gold, copper, tin, mica, and lead, together with green stones,

amber, rock crystal (quartz), amethyst, pearls, and opals amber, rock crystal (quartz), amethyst, pearls, and opals

Climate change, social conflict led to declineClimate change, social conflict led to decline

The ToltecasThe Toltecas

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TulaTula

A.D. 950-1200A.D. 950-1200 Development of city north of Teotihuacan.Development of city north of Teotihuacan. Located on the Tula river and near the Lerma rivers Located on the Tula river and near the Lerma rivers

for easy communication with others.for easy communication with others. This new capital was closer to the northern limits of This new capital was closer to the northern limits of

agriculture.agriculture. Toltec history embellished by Aztecs, Spaniards and Toltec history embellished by Aztecs, Spaniards and

others after their collapse in 1200 A.D.others after their collapse in 1200 A.D.

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Tula BallcourtsTula Ballcourts

Ballcourt 1 Ballcourt 2

Stone (found in the center of the ballcourt) possibly connected with the scoring or ritual  of the game 

http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/ballcourt-no2.htm

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Columns in the form of Toltec warriors in TulaColumns in the form of Toltec warriors in Tula

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Columns in the form of Toltec warriors in Tula

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Toltecs

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This is one of This is one of the warriors the warriors that are in that are in

the superior the superior part of the part of the

Temple B. In Temple B. In their times, their times,

these these warriors warriors

sustained a sustained a

roof.roof. This warrior, lifts the arms to hold an altar or

reliquary. 

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Altar support from the  Temple of Quetzalcoatl

Rear view of the  altar support

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Artifacts: PotteryArtifacts: Pottery

Duck effigy bowlBrazier with skulls

Pipes

Papagayo polychrome bowl http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/toltecs-dishware.htm

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Artifacts: Stone CarvingsArtifacts: Stone Carvings

Jaguar statueFigurines

http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/toltec-standing-figurines.htm

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Page 87: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

Mayan CivilizationMayan Civilization

The Maya were an early civilization in The Maya were an early civilization in Mesoamerica a region that was located in Mesoamerica a region that was located in Central America and parts of southern North Central America and parts of southern North America. America.

The Maya civilization began around 1500 BCEThe Maya civilization began around 1500 BCE in Present-day Mexico and Guatemala. in Present-day Mexico and Guatemala.

Maya prehistory is often split into three periods: Maya prehistory is often split into three periods: Pre-classic (2000 BCEPre-classic (2000 BCE——250 CE), Classic (250250 CE), Classic (250——900) and Post-classic (900900) and Post-classic (900——1500). 1500).

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The MayasThe Mayas

We know they were not called MayasWe know they were not called Mayas When Spaniards arrived, the major city was MAYAPAN When Spaniards arrived, the major city was MAYAPAN

(thus the name the Mayas)(thus the name the Mayas) The Maya civilization reached its height in a period called The Maya civilization reached its height in a period called

the Classic Age.the Classic Age. During this period, the civilization spread to the Yucatan During this period, the civilization spread to the Yucatan

Peninsula. It included more than 40 cities of 5,000 to Peninsula. It included more than 40 cities of 5,000 to 50,000 people each. 50,000 people each.

Cities were really city-states, each with its own Cities were really city-states, each with its own government and king. government and king.

No single ruler ever united the many cities into one empire.No single ruler ever united the many cities into one empire.

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Chichen Itza Chichen Itza

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Page 91: Early civilizations of the mesoamerica

The AztecThe Aztec

The strong Aztec Empire, founded in central Mexico in The strong Aztec Empire, founded in central Mexico in 1325, lasted until the Spanish conquest in 1521.1325, lasted until the Spanish conquest in 1521.

The Aztecs built a rich and powerful empire in central The Aztecs built a rich and powerful empire in central Mexico.Mexico.

Life in the empire was shaped by social structure, Life in the empire was shaped by social structure, religion, and warfare.religion, and warfare.

Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire in 1521.Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire in 1521.

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Life in the empire was shaped by Life in the empire was shaped by social structure, religion, and social structure, religion, and

warfare.warfare. The Aztecs had a complex social structure, a demanding The Aztecs had a complex social structure, a demanding

religion, and a rich culture.religion, and a rich culture.

The Aztecs worshipped many gods and regularly made The Aztecs worshipped many gods and regularly made human sacrifices to please the gods.human sacrifices to please the gods.

Sacrifices were often battle captives. Aztec warriors Sacrifices were often battle captives. Aztec warriors waged frequent battles with neighboring people to waged frequent battles with neighboring people to supply enough victims.supply enough victims.

Aztecs valued art and architecture.Aztecs valued art and architecture.

They studied astronomy and devised a calendar like the They studied astronomy and devised a calendar like the Maya did.Maya did.

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Tenochtitlan

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THANKS THANKS

FORFOR

LEARNINGLEARNING