Mesoamerica

MesoamericaPre-Columbian history

MesoamericaIs a region of cultural and historical significance stretching from modern day Central Mexico through Central America.Mesoamerica: Middle AmericaPre-ColumbianTime before European influence in the AmericasPre-Columbian Civilizations in the area.Olmec, Teotihuacan, Maya, AztecAgricultureBy Roughly 6000bce Inhabitants of the area started cultivating plants.

Corn (maize), Squash, Chilis, Beans, Tomatoes, Papaya, guava, etc

Animals were hard to domesticate in the Americas because of lack of pack animals. Turkey, Dogs, Waterfowl.

Other protein came from hunting Deer, Rabbits, Birds, gathering insects. GeographyRivers and lakes were scattered around the region.Not as dependent as other civilizations.

Mountains also separate cultural and agricultural subcultures.

Coniferous Forest, Tropical Rain Forest, Mountain ranges, among the biomes. OlmecPre-Columbian Society located in South Central Mexico.1200-1000 BCETwo groupsElite-small urban centersCommon people- Rural AreasElite lived off the common peoples agricultureCarried out religious ceremoniesThe civilization dissolved in 300bce and was absorbed by future civilizations.

TeotihuacanCity-State that flourished between 200-750 CE.Today is home to famous ruins with great architecture.At one time the largest city in Pre-Columbian History.100,000+ inhabitantsInhabitants were of many different ethnicities and cultures.

Card CheckPlease follow Mr. S directionsWhat does migration mean? How and when did people migrate to the Americas?

Describe the Geography of the Americas. Differently

Describe the Native Americans of the Great Plains.MayaOnly Pre-Columbian society to have a full written language.Had complex astronomy, mathematical, architecture, and art systems much like civilizations around the world. At its peak in 250-900CEOne of the most densely populated and culturally dynamic societies in the Americas. Much of the civilization adapted through other cultures through cultural diffusion.

Maya CultureMost of the history was rural.Urban settings were important between 300-900 CEUrbanized Mayan Civilization defined cultural identity.Allowed a defined Mayan cultural identity. Originally descended from Olmecs.Improved the accomplishments of the other cultures of the time.

Agriculture and EconomyA priestly Class lived in the cities.Most lived in farming villages.The population lived predominately in rain forest which is hard to cultivate.Used Slash and Burn TechniquesUsed a lot of land, and was very labor-intensive.Maize production was the central economic activity.Mayan AccomplishmentsAccurate calender that was better than the Europeans at the time. Independent writing system that used glyphs.A number system with the concept of zero. Developed: Chocolate, Vanilla, Cotton, Rubber, Gum, Concrete, geometry, mirrors, toothbrushes. Aztec CivilizationThe Aztecs are an urban civilization which centers on its capital Tenochtitlan.Look for a sign and build the city there. Eagle with a snake in its mouth.Located in modern day Mexico city.Strong military power.Continuation of the Teotihuacan civilization and culture.

Society and CultureUrban society and culture. City consisted of a large number of priests and crafts people.Economy was based on trade of essential items and luxuries. MacehuallasCommonersPilliNobility

Card CheckDescribe the Characteristics of the Teotihuacan culture in Mesoamerica. What is a City-State?

What were the accomplishments of the Mayan civilization?

Define Cultural Diffusion. Give examples.Society and CultureAge 15 all male children went to school.Learned history, religion, war and fighting, and a trade.Nobility learned government and religious duties.Legal system was harsh.Death was the common punishment.It was supported by the community.People practiced a trade or were involved in agriculture.

The Conquistadors1519 Spanish led by Hernan Cortes entered the Yucatan region.Cortes allied with a rival of the Aztecs.TlaxcalaThe Spanish were desperate for goods to bring back to Spain. Battles continue for many months until 1520 when they lay siege to Tenochtitlan destroying the city and weakening the Empire.