The above image illustrates the route taken by the first inhabitants of the Americas.
It is widely believed that humans crossed over from Asia (Siberia), down the Bering Strait, through modern-day Canada, and into North & South America.
It is widely believed that humans crossed over from Asia (Siberia), down the Bering Strait, through modern-day Canada, and into North & South America.
Mesoamerica=areas of Mexico & Central America
Indicated on the above image in dark brown.
The Mesoamerican Civilizations that occupy this region were:
1. Olmec
2. Teotihuacan
3. Maya
4. Toltec
5. Aztec
Indicated on the above image in dark brown.
The Mesoamerican Civilizations that occupy this region were:
1. Olmec
2. Teotihuacan
3. Maya
4. Toltec
5. Aztec
THE OLMEC
TEOTIHUACAN (TAY-oh-TEE-WA-KAN)
Teotihuacan was one of Mesoamerica’s most important classical-period civilizations
Population grew to 150,000 people by 600 AD
Population grew to 150,000 people by 600 AD
RELIGION IN TEOTIHUACAN
•Polytheistic •Large pyramids dedicated to Sun and Moon along with ~20 smaller temples devoted to lesser gods •Largest pyramids dedicated to Sun and Moon and Quetzalcoatl (feathered serpent believed to be the originator of agriculture and the arts) Quetzalcoatl -
(Ketz-ul-co-Ah-Tul) •Like the Olmec, people of Teotihuacan practiced human sacrifice
•Sacrifice viewed as a sacred duty to the gods and as an essential practice to maintain the well-being of society CULTURE OF TEOTIHUACAN: •Chinampas: “floating gardens” constructed along lake shores that increased crop production (yields) GOVERNMENT: •Members of the elite controlled government administration, tax collection, and commerce/trade •Power was not concentrated in the hands of a single ruler: unlike other classic-period civilizations •No defensive walls suggests a peaceful history early on. Defense created to protect long-distance trade •It fell around 750 AD. |