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Read this link to see Artifact Examples

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This mussel shell scraper could have had many uses, including shelling dried corn from the cob.

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Southeast Indians - The Mississippians in Olden Times for Kids and Teachers - Native Americans in Olden Times for Kids

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The Mississippians are often referred to as the mound builders. They spent hundreds of years building huge, steep platforms made of hard packed dirt - mounds. Many of the mounds were built in geometric patterns. Some were very long and wide - 1,000 feet long and over 700 feet wide.

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Based on some of the designs placed on pottery and engraved into marine shell, archaeologists believe Mississippian people divided their world into three parts: the upper world, the middle world and the underworld. The upper world includes the sun, that which gives life. The middle world is the world we live in on earth. The lower world is the source of fertility, among other things.

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Mississippian Earth Lodge
NPS

Not all mounds served as platforms. The Funeral Mound, as its name suggests, contains more than 100 burials. Some were complex log tombs, a few contained elaborate copper and shell ornaments suggesting high status, but most were simple pits with no accompanying artifacts. The Mississippians built more than just mounds. Excavations uncovered several earth lodges, the most elaborate of which has been reconstructed. The 1,000-year old floor contains a bench with 47 molded seats and a bird-shaped platform with three additional seats. The Earth lodge would have been used by important members of society to either discuss politics or perform ceremonies, or perhaps a combination of both.

The extensive mound construction suggests that the Mississippians had a complex social structure. A strong leader would be necessary in order to carry out the planning and execution of building projects. The prominence of the temple mound also implies a strong religious component to the society. Some archaeologists speculate that Mississippian society was organized into "chiefdoms", which consisted of several towns. Each town had a chief, perhaps subservient to a more powerful Priest-Chief.

The people of the Macon Plateau town were sedentary farmers. They carried out extensive cultivation using tools of wood, bone and stone. Major crops included squash, pumpkins, sunflowers, and tobacco, but predominantly corn and beans. They stored excess food in baskets and pottery, and the surplus allowed them to devote time to other aspects of life.

The Mississippians hunted to supplement their diet, concentrating on small game such as raccoon, turkey, rabbit, beaver, squirrel, turtles, and deer. No part of the animal would be wasted - skins were tanned to make clothing, bone became jewelry, fishhooks, and projectile points. Hunters used several techniques to find game, but the bow and arrow was essential for a successful hunt.

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Mississippian Culture - Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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Not all mounds served as platforms. The Funeral Mound, as its name suggests, contains more than 100 burials. Some were complex log tombs, a few contained elaborate copper and shell ornaments suggesting high status, but most were simple pits with no accompanying artifacts. The Mississippians built more than just mounds.

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Arctic/Subarctic | Infinity of Nations: Art and History in the Collections of the National Museum of the American Indian - George Gustav Heye Center, New York

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Infinity of Nations: Art and History in the Collections of the National Museum of the American Indian is a spectacular, permanent exhibition of some 700 works of Native art from throughout North, Central, and South America. This exhibition will demonstrate the breadth of the National Museum of the American Indian's renowned collection and highlight the historic importance of many of these iconic objects.

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In the heart of ancient Mesoamerica lies a civilization that predates the grandeur of the Maya and the Aztec: the Olmec. Revered as the "Mother Culture" of Mesoamerica, the Olmec civilization flourished between 1400 BCE and 400 BCE, leaving behind a profound artistic legacy that continues to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike. From colossal stone heads to intricate jade carvings, Olmec art offers a window into a world shrouded in mystery and myth. Join us as we embark on a journey through time to unravel the secrets of Olmec artistry, delving into its symbolism, significance, and enduring influence on the rich tapestry of Mesoamerican culture.
Key Takeaways

Olmec art reflects the complex social and religious structures of Mesoamerica's first civilization.

Iconography in Olmec art signifies a deep connection with spiritual beliefs and natural elements.

The art forms and materials used by the Olmec inform our understanding of their extensive trade networks and cultural significance.

The Olmec Civilization

The Olmec civilization, recognized as Mesoamerica's first complex society, thrived from around 1600 BCE to 350 BCE, laying foundational aspects for subsequent cultures in the region.

Olmec Stone Wrestler (c. 600-100 BCE); Gary Todd, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Foundations of Olmec Society

The Olmec civilization established itself along the Gulf Coast of Mexico, primarily in the present-day Mexican states of Tabasco and Veracruz. Its society was organized and sophisticated, evidenced by the remnants of planned urban centers like San Lorenzo and La Venta.

These sites functioned as political and religious hubs, indicating a hierarchically structured civilization.

Rise and Influence of Olmec Centers

As Olmec society evolved, its centers grew into influential power bases with considerable control over the surrounding areas. San Lorenzo, one of the earliest Olmec centers, flourished from approximately 1200 BCE, while La Venta became prominent around 900 BCE. Each center displayed remarkable feats of engineering and urban planning, highlighted by massive ceremonial platforms and sophisticated drainage systems.

Photo of one of the mosaics from the La Venta Olmec site (2007); Ruben Charles, (http://www.rubencharles.com), CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The "Mother Culture" of Mesoamerica

The term "mother culture" is often attributed to the Olmec due to their profound impact on the developing cultures within Mesoamerica. Their influence is visible in religious symbols, artistic styles, and even ballgames that pervaded the region. The concept of the "mother culture" suggests the Olmec's role in fostering a shared set of traditions and practices that would resonate throughout Mesoamerican history. One of the lasting symbols of Olmec influence is the colossal stone heads, presumed to represent rulers or deities.

These monuments, some towering over 3 meters in height, are a testament to their advanced artistic capabilities and organizational skill.

Olmec Art and Iconography

The Olmec civilization, known as the first great Mesoamerican civilization, left behind a significant artistic legacy featuring colossal sculptures and finely carved jade figurines. Their artwork provides essential insights into the cultural and religious aspects of Olmec society.

Jade Mask (c. 1100-700 BCE); Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Colossal Heads and Stone Monuments

Colossal Heads and Stone Monuments stand as iconic symbols of Olmec artistry and cultural prowess, etching a formidable presence in the annals of Mesoamerican history. Carved from massive basalt boulders with remarkable precision and skill, these imposing sculptures bear the visages of enigmatic rulers or divine figures, their features imbued with a sense of power and mystery. Standing as tall as ten feet and weighing several tons, these colossal heads command reverence and awe, serving as enduring testaments to the Olmec civilization's mastery of stone carving techniques and their profound spiritual beliefs.

Through these monumental creations, the Olmec expressed their veneration for rulership and their intimate connection to the sacred, inviting us to contemplate the depths of their artistic vision and cultural legacy.

Olmec Figurine Artistry

Olmec figurine artistry represents a pinnacle of ancient Mesoamerican craftsmanship, characterized by its exquisite detail and spiritual significance. Crafted from jade, serpentine, and other precious materials, Olmec figurines showcase an unparalleled mastery of sculptural technique, capturing the human form with remarkable precision and delicacy. These miniature marvels, often depicting rulers, priests, and supernatural beings, serve as tangible expressions of Olmec cosmology and religious beliefs, embodying concepts of power, fertility, and divine connection.

Jade Figurine (c. 900-500 BCE); Tim Evanson from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

With their elongated features, enigmatic smiles, and elaborate regalia, Olmec figurines evoke a sense of otherworldly presence, inviting contemplation of the mystical realms that permeated ancient Mesoamerican society. As timeless artifacts of artistic ingenuity and spiritual insight, Olmec figurines continue to captivate the imagination and deepen our understanding of this enigmatic civilization.

Statues and Stelae

Beyond the colossal heads, Olmec artists created complete statues and stelae. Artifacts such as baby-faced figures and stelae are etched with symbols and iconography, which serve as a key to understanding the myths and religious beliefs of the Olmec.

These sculptures and carvings not only reflect skilled craftsmanship but also embody the cultural narratives of the Olmec people.

Spiritual Beliefs and Rituals

The Olmec civilization, recognized as one of the earliest Mesoamerican civilizations, had a complex belief system with a pantheon of deities and ritualistic ceremonies that played a central role in their society and governance.

Seated Ruler in Ritual Pose (c. 900-500 BCE); Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Deities and Religious Imagery

The Olmecs revered several deities, with iconography suggesting a religion rich in mythology. Images and sculptures frequently depict a Maize God, signifying the importance of agriculture, and a rain deity, which highlights their reliance on weather for crop cultivation. Another prominent figure is the sky-dragon, an amalgamation of a caiman and a dragon, suggesting a connection to both the heavens and aquatic realms.

Artifacts reveal a fusion of jaguar features with those of children and adults, perhaps indicating a shamanistic practice of rulers connecting with the divine animal and its power.

Ballgame and Ceremonial Practices

Ballgames were more than a sport in Olmec civilization; they had religious significance. The events likely mirrored cosmological beliefs, simulating the movement of celestial bodies or recounting mythical narratives. Ceremonial practices often occurred in complex sites, such as San Lorenzo and La Venta, where colossal stone heads possibly representing rulers or deities emphasized the connection between rulership and religion. These rituals may have included offerings, pilgrimages, and possibly sacrificial elements, underlining the profound interaction between the ruling class, the priesthood, and the divine.

Importance of Olmec Art

Olmec art is significant due to its influence on Mesoamerican cultures and its enduring contributions to later civilizations. It serves as a bedrock for understanding the region's ancient history and development.

Infantile Figure (c. 1200-900 BCE); Walters Art Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Olmec Contributions to Mesoamerican Culture

The Olmec civilization, flourishing from approximately 1200 to 400 B.C., laid the groundwork for artistic expression in Mesoamerica. Their renowned contributions include the creation of Colossal Head Sculptures, carved from single blocks of volcanic stone, typically basalt, thought to depict rulers, and Jade figurines, showcasing intricate carvings that underscore the significance of jade in Olmec culture.

These artistic marvels not only demonstrate the Olmec's mastery of sculpture but also underscore their pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the region.

Olmec Influences on Later Cultures

Olmec art emerged as a template that profoundly influenced subsequent civilizations, notably the Maya and the Aztec. Its enduring impact is discernible in various aspects, including iconography, where deities and symbolic motifs originating from Olmec art resurface in later Mesoamerican cultures. Moreover, architectural elements such as the layout of ceremonial centers and the incorporation of monumental sculpture reflect precedents set by the Olmec, shaping later urban planning strategies. The distinct artistic style and profound symbolism ingrained in the Olmec tradition resonated throughout Mesoamerica, leaving an indelible mark on the region's artistic and cultural landscape.

Elongated Mask Ornament (c. 900-300 BCE); Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Legacy in Writing and Agriculture

The Olmec civilization played a pivotal role in advancing writing systems and agricultural practices, as evidenced by two key elements. Firstly, symbolic representations found in Olmec artifacts are believed to be early precursors to the fully developed writing systems used by later Mesoamerican cultures. Additionally, depictions of crops in their artwork shed light on the Olmec's reliance on and innovation in agricultural practices. These artistic representations not only offer glimpses into the daily lives of the Olmec people but also provide valuable insights into their intellectual achievements and cultural advancements.

In concluding our journey through Olmec art, we are left awestruck by the profound legacy of a civilization that birthed Mesoamerican artistic expression. From colossal stone monuments to intricate jade carvings, the Olmec's creations resonate with spiritual and cultural depth, transcending time and captivating our imagination. These artifacts not only showcase mastery in technique but also serve as windows into a world rich in symbolism and significance. As we contemplate their enigmatic beauty, we recognize the enduring power of Olmec art to connect us to the ancient past, offering glimpses of human creativity, ingenuity, and the timeless pursuit of meaning that continues to resonate within the fabric of our shared human narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Defines the Olmec Art Style and How Is It Recognized?

The Olmec art style is recognized for its colossal heads sculpted from basalt, intricate jade figurines, and other artifacts illustrating a mastery of various mediums. Characterized by its depictions of both human and animal deities, Olmec artwork often features baby-faced figures, glyphs, and symbolism indicative of their religion and cosmology.

Which Are the Most Celebrated Pieces of Olmec Art?

Among the most celebrated pieces of Olmec art are the colossal basalt heads, believed to represent rulers or deities, with seventeen discovered to date, each with unique facial features. The La Venta Monument A, sometimes called Altar 4, depicting a ruler emerging from a cave or mountain, is another extraordinary piece, as well as the Las Limas Monument 1, which showcases a seated figure holding a were-jaguar baby, a significant theme in Olmec art.

In What Ways Did Olmec Religious Beliefs Influence Their Artistic Creations?

Olmec religious beliefs are intricately woven into their art, with depictions of complex iconography that include jaguar motifs, representing a were-jaguar deity, and references to shamanistic practices. Religious ceremonies and the shamanistic transformation from human to jaguar visually manifest in their artifacts, indicating the centrality of these beliefs in societal and ceremonial life.

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Olmec Art - An Introduction to the Ancient World of Mesoamerica

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A Brief History of Mesoamerica ✔ Explore the Different Formats of Olmec Design ✔ Discover the Lasting Impact of This Historical Era ✔

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Mayan Artifacts - Exploring Some Influential Mayan Relics

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The Importance of Mayan Relics ✔ Mayan Jaguar God Artifacts ✔ Influential Mayan Statues ✔ Examples of Ancient Mayan Pottery ✔

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Aztec Artifacts - Time Capsules of the Aztec Empire

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Aztec Artifacts: Unveiling Ancient Mysteries ✔ What Is the Most Famous Aztec Artifact? ✔ When Was the Aztec Period? ✔

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This collection includes over 1,000 objects from the Western, Central, and Eastern Arctic, particularly artifacts, Canadian Inuit sculpture and prints, and contemporary art. The Sub-Arctic holdings include objects from Northern Athabascan cultures.

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This collection includes over 1,000 objects from the Western, Central, and Eastern Arctic, particularly artifacts, Canadian Inuit sculpture and prints, and contemporary art. The Sub-Arctic holdings include objects from Northern Athabascan cultures.

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The Olmec civilization, often referred to as the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica, was one of the earliest and most influential ancient civilizations in the Americas.

Flourishing between 1200 and 400 BCE in what is now the southern part of Mexico, particularly in the states of Veracruz and Tabasco, the Olmec laid the foundation for many cultural practices, artistic styles, and religious concepts that would influence later Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Maya, Zapotec, and Teotihuacán.

The Olmecs are most famous for their colossal stone heads, distinctive art, and their role as innovators of key religious and cultural practices, including ritual bloodletting and the Mesoamerican ballgame. However, much about them remains a mystery, including the exact reasons for their decline.

Below, World History Edu delves into the history and major facts surrounding the Olmec civilization.

Religious Practices and Major Deities of Pre-Columbian Civilizations

The Olmec civilization originated in the fertile lowlands along the Gulf Coast of Mexico, an area known for its swampy environment interspersed with rich alluvial soils. The main Olmec heartland covered the present-day Mexican states of Veracruz and Tabasco, centered around four major cities: San Lorenzo, La Venta, Tres Zapotes, and Laguna de los Cerros. These regions had the perfect environmental conditions to support large-scale agriculture, which allowed the Olmec population to flourish and build complex societies.

Before the rise of the Olmec, the area was inhabited by pre-Olmec cultures as early as 2500 BCE. However, it was between 1400 and 1200 BCE that the Olmecs emerged as a dominant culture, with San Lorenzo becoming their first major urban center. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Olmecs were influenced by earlier cultures in the region, such as the Mokaya and Mixe-Zoque, who contributed to the development of their agricultural practices, political organization, and religious ideologies.

The heartland of the Olmec civilization was characterized by low-lying tropical forests, rivers, and fertile floodplains, which provided an ideal environment for agriculture. The region was also rich in resources such as basalt, clay, and other materials needed for crafting tools and monumental architecture. Most notably, the Olmecs utilized basalt to carve their famous colossal heads, which are believed to represent their rulers or important figures in their society.

The Olmec heartland was strategically located near rivers like the Coatzacoalcos, which served as important transportation routes, allowing the Olmec to engage in long-distance trade with other Mesoamerican cultures. This access to trade routes helped the Olmecs obtain exotic goods like jade and obsidian, which they used to create luxury items for the elite class. The presence of jade and other luxury materials in Olmec sites suggests that they had extensive trade networks stretching from present-day Guatemala to Central Mexico.

San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán

San Lorenzo, which reached its height around 1400-900 BCE, was the first major Olmec center. Situated on a plateau with access to natural water sources, it became the political and religious center of Olmec society during this period. San Lorenzo is known for its impressive earthworks, terraces, and water systems, all of which showcase the Olmecs' engineering capabilities.

One of the most remarkable features of San Lorenzo is the colossal stone heads, which range in height from 1.5 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet). These heads are thought to depict Olmec rulers and were likely symbols of political power and religious authority. Archaeologists believe that these heads were transported from basalt quarries many miles away, demonstrating the Olmecs' advanced organizational skills and labor systems.

San Lorenzo's decline around 900 BCE is still debated, though it is commonly attributed to environmental changes, such as the shifting of river courses, internal uprisings, or possibly invasions from other groups. Following the decline of San Lorenzo, the Olmec center of power shifted to La Venta.

La Venta

La Venta rose to prominence as the major Olmec center after the decline of San Lorenzo, flourishing from around 900 BCE to 400 BCE. Located on an island in the middle of the Tonalá River, La Venta became the new political and ceremonial hub of the Olmec civilization.

One of the key features of La Venta is the Great Pyramid, a massive earthen mound standing 34 meters (112 feet) tall. This pyramid is one of the earliest examples of monumental architecture in Mesoamerica and demonstrates the Olmecs' sophisticated construction techniques. In addition to the pyramid, La Venta is known for its elaborate ceremonial offerings, including jade figurines, pottery, and large mosaics made from serpentine.

La Venta also contains evidence of Olmec religious practices, including altars, thrones, and stelae, which feature depictions of gods, rulers, and mythological events. Like San Lorenzo, La Venta had colossal stone heads, further emphasizing the importance of these monuments in Olmec society.

By around 400 BCE, La Venta began to decline, marking the end of the classic Olmec civilization. However, their influence lived on in subsequent cultures, and the region continued to be occupied by smaller successor states.

Tres Zapotes and Laguna de los Cerros

Tres Zapotes and Laguna de los Cerros were two other significant Olmec centers, though they never reached the prominence of San Lorenzo and La Venta. Tres Zapotes, located on the western edge of the Olmec heartland, continued to be occupied after the decline of La Venta and developed into what is known as the Epi-Olmec culture. This site is famous for Stela C, which contains one of the earliest examples of the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, marking the use of the concept of zero in their numerical system.

The Olmec civilization was a highly stratified society, with a ruling elite at the top that controlled political, religious, and economic life. The elite class was responsible for the construction of large ceremonial centers, the creation of luxury goods, and the organization of trade networks. Below the elite were artisans, farmers, and laborers who worked to produce food and craft items for the ruling class.

Religion played a central role in Olmec society, and their religious beliefs laid the foundation for many Mesoamerican traditions. The Olmecs were polytheistic, worshipping a pantheon of gods often represented in both human and animal forms. One of the most important deities in Olmec religion was the jaguar, which symbolized strength, power, and fertility. Many Olmec sculptures depict hybrid creatures known as were-jaguars, combining human and jaguar features, which may represent shamanistic transformation or the divine powers of their rulers.

The Olmecs are credited with pioneering key religious practices that would later be adopted by other Mesoamerican civilizations, such as ritual bloodletting and possibly human sacrifice. Bloodletting, in which individuals would cut themselves to offer their blood to the gods, was believed to be a way of maintaining the balance between the human and divine worlds. Archaeologists have discovered ceramic and stone tools, such as stingray spines and obsidian blades, which were used in these rituals.

The Olmecs were also the first known culture to play the Mesoamerican ballgame, a ceremonial sport that would be played by many subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations. The ballgame had deep religious significance, often symbolizing the struggle between life and death or the movement of celestial bodies. Players used rubber balls, a material abundant in the Olmec region, and courts have been found at several Olmec sites, including San Lorenzo and La Venta.

Olmec art is characterized by its naturalistic and stylized forms, often blending human and animal elements. The most iconic pieces of Olmec art are the colossal stone heads, which are believed to represent rulers or important individuals. These heads, carved from basalt, display distinctive facial features, including flattened noses, thick lips, and helmet-like headdresses.

In addition to the colossal heads, Olmec artisans created a wide variety of sculptures, including jade figurines, altars, and stelae. These works often depicted religious scenes or mythological figures and served as important symbols of political and religious authority. Jade, in particular, was highly valued by the Olmec elite, who used it to create intricate figurines and masks.

The Olmecs also excelled in the production of ceramics. They crafted vessels, figurines, and other objects using a variety of techniques, including slip painting and burnishing. Olmec ceramics have been found in many parts of Mesoamerica, suggesting that their artistic styles had a wide-ranging influence.

The Olmec economy was based primarily on agriculture, with maize (corn) as the staple crop. In addition to maize, the Olmecs cultivated beans, squash, and other crops, and they also engaged in fishing and hunting to supplement their diet. The rich agricultural environment of the Olmec heartland allowed for the production of surplus food, which supported a growing population and the development of complex urban centers.

Trade played a crucial role in the Olmec economy, with the ruling elite controlling the distribution of luxury goods. The Olmecs were part of an extensive trade network that connected them to other Mesoamerican cultures. Goods such as jade, obsidian, and magnetite were exchanged over long distances, and the presence of these materials at Olmec sites indicates that they had access to resources from as far away as present-day Guatemala and Central Mexico.

The Olmecs were skilled traders, and their control of trade routes helped to maintain their dominance in the region. Their ability to acquire and redistribute luxury goods, such as jade, gave the Olmec elite a powerful economic and political advantage over their neighbors.

The name "Olmec" comes from the Nahuatl word "Ōlmēcatl," meaning "rubber people." It refers to the ancient practice of extracting latex from rubber trees. The term was used by the Aztecs to describe people living in the Gulf Lowlands, centuries after the Olmec civilization had vanished.

How did the Aztecs treat prisoners of war?

The reasons for the decline of the Olmec civilization are not entirely understood, but it is believed that environmental changes, such as shifting river courses or volcanic activity, may have contributed to their downfall. By around 400 BCE, the major Olmec centers had been abandoned, and the population in the region decreased significantly.

Despite the decline of the Olmec civilization, their influence continued to be felt throughout Mesoamerica for centuries. The Olmecs are often referred to as the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica because many of their religious, artistic, and cultural practices were adopted by later civilizations, including the Maya, Zapotec, and Teotihuacán.

The Olmecs are credited with introducing several important innovations that shaped the course of Mesoamerican history. One of their most significant contributions was the development of the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, which used a base-20 numerical system and included the concept of zero. The use of zero in the calendar is one of the earliest known instances of this mathematical concept in human history.

The Olmecs also played a key role in the development of Mesoamerican writing systems. In 2006, archaeologists discovered the Cascajal Block, a serpentine tablet inscribed with 62 symbols, which may represent an early form of Olmec writing. This discovery suggests that the Olmecs may have been the first civilization in the Americas to develop a writing system.

The Olmecs' religious and artistic traditions were also passed down to later civilizations. The Maya, for example, adopted the Olmec practice of bloodletting and human sacrifice, as well as their use of jade and other precious materials in religious ceremonies. The monumental architecture of the Olmecs, such as pyramids and ceremonial platforms, influenced the construction of later Mesoamerican cities, including Teotihuacán and the Maya cities of Tikal and Palenque.

In terms of art, the Olmec tradition of creating colossal stone sculptures continued in later Mesoamerican cultures. The Maya, Zapotec, and Mixtec all created large stone monuments, often depicting rulers or deities, similar to the Olmec colossal heads. The Olmecs' use of symbolic motifs, such as the jaguar and the feathered serpent, also became central elements in the religious iconography of later civilizations.

Great Pyramid of Cholula: The Largest Pyramid in the World

Where was the Olmec civilization centered, and what were its major cities?

The Olmec civilization was initially centered at San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán. After the decline of San Lorenzo around the 10th century BCE, they moved to La Venta, which became the primary center until around 400 BCE.

What are the Olmecs best known for in terms of cultural contributions?

The Olmecs are best known for their colossal stone heads, ritual bloodletting, and their role in introducing the Mesoamerican ballgame. Their art, including altars, sculptures, and stelae, is considered some of the most striking in ancient America.

What geographical features supported the rise of the Olmec civilization?

The Olmec heartland was rich in alluvial soils and was connected by the Coatzacoalcos river basin, providing fertile land for agriculture and facilitating trade networks that supported the development of large city-temple complexes.

What role did trade play in the Olmec civilization?

Trade played a significant role in the Olmec civilization. Luxury goods like jade, obsidian, and magnetite were traded over long distances, helping to establish the Olmec elite class and promote their cultural influence across Mesoamerica.

What was the fate of the city of San Lorenzo?

San Lorenzo, the first major Olmec center, reached its peak around 1400-900 BCE but was abandoned around 900 BCE. Many of its monuments were destroyed, possibly due to internal conflict or environmental changes.

What were the main features of La Venta, the second major Olmec center?

La Venta became the main Olmec center after San Lorenzo's decline. It featured grand structures, such as the 34-meter-high Great Pyramid, and contained opulent offerings of jade and other valuable materials, symbolizing the Olmec's power and wealth.

The Rise and Fall of Aztec and Mayan Society

What might have caused the decline of the Olmec civilization?

The decline of the Olmecs, around 400-350 BCE, is still a mystery, though environmental changes, such as shifts in the river systems or volcanic eruptions, may have made the region unsuitable for agriculture, leading to depopulation.

How did Olmec art and cultural practices influence later Mesoamerican civilizations?

Olmec art, especially the colossal heads, and their religious practices, including bloodletting and the ballgame, deeply influenced later Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya, Zapotec, and Teotihuacán. Their innovations in religion, writing, and mathematics also shaped the development of these cultures.

What are some of the technological and mathematical innovations attributed to the Olmecs?

The Olmecs are credited with developing the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, the concept of zero, and possibly the earliest form of writing in the Western Hemisphere. The use of zero on Stela C at Tres Zapotes is one of the earliest examples of this mathematical concept.

What evidence suggests that the Olmecs may have practiced human sacrifice?

While direct evidence of human sacrifice is limited, disarticulated remains, particularly of infants, found at sites like El Manatí, suggest that some form of ritual sacrifice may have been part of Olmec religious practices.

What is the significance of the Cascajal Block in the history of writing?

The Cascajal Block, dated between 1100 and 900 BCE, contains a set of symbols that may represent an early form of writing, making it one of the earliest examples of pre-Columbian writing in the Americas.

How did the Olmec civilization influence later Mesoamerican societies after their decline?

The Olmec laid the foundation for later Mesoamerican cultures by introducing key religious, artistic, and technological practices. Their cultural innovations continued to shape societies like the Maya, Zapotec, and Teotihuacán for centuries after the Olmec civilization ended.

How were the Americas prior to the era of European exploration?

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What was the Olmec Civilization? - History & Major Facts - World History Edu

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Considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica, the Olmecs established the foundations of later civilizations, including monumental stone heads and early pyramid construction.

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The Olmec were a people who lived about 3000 years ago in what is today south-central Mexico. The Olmec were the first civilization in the ancient area known as Mesoamerica. Because they were the first civilization, many later Mesoamerican civilizations used and repeated Olmec features and characteristics.

The Olmec people discovered and made use of many natural resources in the area, including rubber and corn. Dozens of mysterious stone heads were discovered in the Olmec territory as well; archaeologists are still not sure what their purposes were.

The Olmecs lived from 1200 BC to about 400 BC. They had two important cities, first San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan and then La Venta. The Olmecs were able to thrive due to the fertile land around the Coatzacoalcos river basin. The reason for the fall of the Olmec empire is unknown. They developed many different cultures.

The Olmecs created a range of artwork such as altars, jade masks and stone carvings.

Colossal heads

The Olmec colossal heads are the most recognized symbol of the Olmec civilization. The height and weights of the heads vary, but the largest head is about twice the height of an average human male. They include seventeen heads found in the southern Mexican cities of La Venta, San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan, Tres Zapotes, and Rancho la Cobata. Each head shows a unique facial expression and wears a helmet bearing distinctive decorations. No two are alike. The origins and meaning of the heads are mysterious, and they are the subject of much speculation among scholars and archaeologists.

Scholars have tried to explain how the Olmecs might have made and moved such big objects. The heads were sculpted out of a hard, dense rock called basalt. Archaeologists think the Olmecs found most of the basalt in the Tuxtlas Mountain range. According to this theory, the basalt heads were sculpted roughly in the mountains and then either floated or dragged by thousands of people from the construction site to the Olmec cities.

Perhaps the most notable features of the sculptures - and a clue as to their meaning - are the helmets worn by all the Olmec heads. These helmets, and the rubber balls found near the sculptures, may be evidence that the Mesoamerican ball game originated with the Olmec civilization. The Mesoamerican ball game was a team sport with profound religious and cultural significance for the indigenous people of Mexico and Central America. The Olmec heads were once thought to have represented Mesoamerican ball players who were sacrificed after losing a match. The current theory, however, is that the heads honor Olmec rulers.

Images for kids

The back of Stela C from Tres Zapotes This is the second oldest Long Count date yet discovered. The numerals 7.16.6.16.18 translate to 3 September 32 BCE (Julian). The glyphs surrounding the date are one of the few surviving examples of Epi-Olmec script.

Mask; circa 900-500 BCE; jadeite; Dallas Museum of Art ( Dallas, Texas, US)

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The Olmec were a people who lived about 3000 years ago in what is today south-central Mexico. The Olmec were the first civilization in the ancient area known as Mesoamerica. Because they were the first civilization, many later Mesoamerican civilizations used and repeated Olmec features and characteristics.

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Between 15,000 and 20,000 years ago, people began crossing the Bering Strait from Asia into what is now Alaska. Over time, some of those people moved into the Canadian Arctic and Greenland. Today their descendants call themselves Inuit, which means "the people."

Others traveled south to the evergreen forests of Canada, and the descendants of those people now have individual tribal names but refer to themselves together as First Nations.

COOL CULTURE

Many tribes survived the cold, harsh environment by hunting caribou, musk ox, bowhead whales, and even seals through the ice. They then put all the parts of the animal to use: Caribou and polar bear fur were perfect for warm winter clothing, sealskin was used for waterproof summer garments, and furs from wolves, wolverines, and rabbits added warmth inside boots and socks.

To show respect for these animals, tribes created masks and charms in those shapes. Members of the Eyak (pronounced EE-yak) tribe wore painted wooden masks during traditional tribal ceremonies, the Yup'ik (pronounced YOO-peek) carved wooden masks with animal characteristics to ensure a successful hunt for the wearer, and the Inupiat (pronounced IN-yoop-yat) tribe carved hunting charms out of walrus tusks in the shape of seals.

But life for these people wasn't all about survival: They also knew how to have fun. Today members of these tribes still play traditional games like the knuckle hop, which tests skill and toughness when competitors hop forward on just their knuckles and toes. Another popular game still today is the blanket toss. Holding a blanket tight, people raise it up and down to throw another person into the air as she tries to land on the blanket without losing balance. Some talented jumpers can even do twists and flips midair.

LIFE TODAY

Today most of these people live in modern communities and have adapted technology to their lifestyle. Snowmobiles often replace cars when snowy roads become impassable, and GPS receivers help them navigate. But members of these tribes are working hard to keep their culture alive: The Inuvialuit (pronounced in-oo-vee-ah-LOO-it), Inuit people of the western Canadian Arctic, have even developed an app to teach kids their native language.

Text and photos adapted from the Nat Geo Kids Encyclopedia of American Indian History and Culture.

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Native People of the Arctic and Subarctic

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Between 15,000 and 20,000 years ago, people began crossing the Bering Strait from Asia into what is now Alaska. Over time, some of those people moved into the Canadian Arctic and Greenland. Today their descendants call themselves Inuit, which means "the people."

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In Indigenous studies, the culture area in North America south of the Arctic is called the Subarctic. It includes most of what are now Alaska and Canada (excluding the…

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Aztecs: Empire, Culture & Facts | HISTORY

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Aztecs: Empire, Culture & Facts | HISTORY

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The Aztecs ruled much of Mexico from the 13th century until their conquest by Hernán Cortés in 1521.

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Click on the menu on the side to explore!

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Maya, Mesoamerican Indians occupying a nearly continuous territory in southern Mexico, Guatemala, and northern Belize. In the early 21st century some 30 Mayan languages were spoken by more than five million people, most of whom were bilingual in Spanish. Before the Spanish conquest of Mexico and Central America, the Maya possessed one of the greatest civilizations of the Western Hemisphere ( see pre-Columbian civilizations: The earliest Maya civilization of the lowlands). They practiced agriculture, built great stone buildings and pyramid temples, worked gold and copper, and used a form of hieroglyphic writing that has now largely been deciphered.

As early as 1500 bce the Maya had settled in villages and had developed an agriculture based on the cultivation of corn (maize), beans, and squash; by 600 ce cassava (sweet manioc) was also grown. ( See also origins of agriculture: Early development: The Americas.) They began to build ceremonial centres, and by 200 ce these had developed into cities containing temples, pyramids, palaces, courts for playing ball, and plazas. The ancient Maya quarried immense quantities of building stone (usually limestone), which they cut by using harder stones such as chert. They practiced mainly slash-and-burn agriculture, but they used advanced techniques of irrigation and terracing. They also developed a system of hieroglyphic writing and highly sophisticated calendrical and astronomical systems. The Maya made paper from the inner bark of wild fig trees and wrote their hieroglyphs on books made from this paper. Those books are called codices. The Maya also developed an elaborate and beautiful tradition of sculpture and relief carving. Architectural works and stone inscriptions and reliefs are the chief sources of knowledge about the early Maya. Early Mayan culture showed the influence of the earlier Olmec civilization.

The rise of the Maya began about 250 ce, and what is known to archaeologists as the Classic Period of Mayan culture lasted until about 900 ce. At its height, Mayan civilization consisted of more than 40 cities, each with a population between 5,000 and 50,000. Among the principal cities were Tikal, Uaxactún, Copán, Bonampak, Dos Pilas, Calakmul, Palenque, and Río Bec. The peak Mayan population may have reached two million people, most of whom were settled in the lowlands of what is now Guatemala. After 900 ce, however, the Classic Maya civilization declined precipitously, leaving the great cities and ceremonial centres vacant and overgrown with jungle vegetation. Some scholars have suggested that armed conflicts and the exhaustion of agricultural land were responsible for the sudden decline. Discoveries in the 21st century led scholars to posit a number of additional reasons for the destruction of Mayan civilization. One cause was probably the war-related disruption of river and land trade routes. Other contributors may have been deforestation and drought. During the Post-Classic Period (900-1519), cities such as Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, and Mayapán in the Yucatán Peninsula continued to flourish for several centuries after the great lowland cities had become depopulated. By the time the Spaniards conquered the area in the early 16th century, most of the Maya had become village-dwelling agriculturists who practiced the religious rites of their forebears.

The major extant Mayan cities and ceremonial centres feature a variety of pyramidal temples or palaces overlain with limestone blocks and richly ornamented with narrative, ceremonial, and astronomical reliefs and inscriptions that have ensured the stature of Mayan art as premier among Native American cultures. But the true nature of Mayan society, the meaning of its hieroglyphics, and the chronicle of its history remained unknown to scholars for centuries after the Spaniards discovered the ancient Mayan building sites.

Systematic explorations of Mayan sites were first undertaken in the 1830s, and a small portion of the writing system was deciphered in the early and mid-20th century. Those discoveries shed some light on Mayan religion, which was based on a pantheon of nature gods, including those of the Sun, the Moon, rain, and corn. A priestly class was responsible for an elaborate cycle of rituals and ceremonies. Closely related to Mayan religion-indeed, inextricable from it-was the impressive development of mathematics and astronomy. In mathematics, positional notation and the use of the zero represented a pinnacle of intellectual achievement. Mayan astronomy underlay a complex calendrical system involving an accurately determined solar year (18 months of 20 days each, plus a 5-day period considered unlucky by the Mayans), a sacred calendar of 260 days (13 cycles of 20 named days), and a variety of longer cycles culminating in the Long Count, a continuous marking of time, based on a zero date in 3113 bce. Mayan astronomers compiled precise tables of positions for the Moon and Venus and were able to accurately predict solar eclipses.

On the basis of these discoveries, scholars in the mid-20th century mistakenly thought that Mayan society was composed of a priestly class of peaceful stargazers and calendar keepers supported by a devout peasantry. The Maya were thought to be utterly absorbed in their religious and cultural pursuits, in favourable contrast to the more warlike and sanguinary indigenous empires of central Mexico. But the progressive decipherment of nearly all of the Mayan hieroglyphic writing has provided a truer if less-elevating picture of Mayan society and culture. Many of the hieroglyphs depict the histories of the Mayan dynastic rulers, who waged war on rival Mayan cities and took their aristocrats captive. Those captives were then tortured, mutilated, and sacrificed to the gods. Indeed, torture and human sacrifice were fundamental religious rituals of Mayan society; they were thought to guarantee fertility, demonstrate piety, and propitiate the gods, and, if such practices were neglected, cosmic disorder and chaos were thought to result. The drawing of human blood was thought to nourish the gods and was thus necessary for achieving contact with them; hence, the Mayan rulers, as the intermediaries between the Mayan people and the gods, had to undergo ritual bloodletting and self-torture.

The present-day Mayan peoples can be divided on linguistic and geographic grounds into the following groups: the Yucatec Maya, inhabiting Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula and extending into northern Belize and northeastern Guatemala; the Lacandón, very few in number, occupying a territory in southern Mexico between the Usumacinta River and the Guatemalan border, with small numbers in Guatemala and Belize; the K'ichean-speaking peoples of the eastern and central highlands of Guatemala (Q'eqchi', Poqomchi', Poqomam, Uspanteko, K'iche', Kaqchikel, Tz'utujil, Sakapulteko [Sacapultec], and Sipacapa [Sipacapeño]); the Mamean peoples of the western Guatemalan highlands (Mam, Teco [Tektiteko], Awakateko, and Ixil); the Q'anjobalan peoples of Huehuetenango and adjacent parts of Mexico (Motocintlec [Mocho'], Tuzantec, Jakalteko, Akateko, Tojolabal, and Chuj); the Tzotzil and Tzeltal peoples of Chiapas in southern Mexico; the Cholan peoples, including the Chontal and Chol speakers in northern Chiapas and Tabasco and the linguistically related Chortí of the extreme eastern part of Guatemala; and the Huastec of northern Veracruz and adjoining San Luís Potosí in east-central Mexico. The chief division in Mayan cultural types is between highland and lowland cultures. Yucatec, Lacandón, and Chontal-Chol are lowland groups. The Huastec, a linguistically and geographically separated group living in Veracruz and San Luis Potosí, who never were Mayan culturally, and the other Mayan peoples live in highlands across Guatemala.

Contemporary Maya are basically agricultural, raising crops of corn, beans, and squash. They live in communities organized around central villages, which may be permanently occupied but more commonly are community centres with public buildings and houses that generally stand vacant; the people of the community live on farm homesteads except during fiestas and markets. Dress is largely traditional, particularly for women; men are more likely to wear modern ready-made clothing. Domestic spinning and weaving, once common, are becoming rare, and most clothing is made of factory-woven cloth. Cultivation is with the hoe and, where the soil is tough, the digging stick. The Yucatec usually keep pigs and chickens and, rarely, oxen that are used for farming. Industries are few, and crafts are oriented toward domestic needs. Usually some cash crop or item of local manufacture is produced for sale outside the region in order to provide cash for items not otherwise obtainable.

Most Maya are nominal Roman Catholics-though, beginning in the late 20th century, many converted to Evangelical Protestantism. Their Christianity, however, is generally overlaid upon the native religion. Its cosmology is typically Mayan, and Christian figures are commonly identified with Mayan deities. Public religion is basically Christian, with masses and saint's day celebrations. The native pre-Columbian religion is observed in domestic rites.

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Maya, the Mesoamerican Indians occupying a nearly continuous territory in southern Mexico, Guatemala, and northern Belize. Before the Spanish conquest of Mexico and Central America, the Maya possessed one of the greatest civilizations of the Western Hemisphere. Learn more about the Maya here.

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10 Mayan Accomplishments and Achievements - Have Fun With History

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The Maya civilization, an ancient Mesoamerican society that thrived from approximately 2000 BCE to 1500 CE, achieved remarkable accomplishments across various fields. Renowned for their sophisticated hieroglyphic writing system, advanced calendar system, and profound understanding of astronomy and mathematics, the Maya left a profound impact on history. Additionally, their expertise in urban planning, agricultural innovations, ... Read more

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The Aztecs were a tribal group of people who lived in the central area of Mexico from the 14 th century to the 16 th century (around 1345 AD to 1521 AD). They were considered one of the last greatest civilizations of Mesoamerica.

Mesoamerica is a term that refers to regions of the Americas that were inhabited by native tribes and civilizations before the Spanish arrived on the North American continent. The geography includes central Mexico to areas such as Honduras and Nicaragua.

How Did the Aztec Civilization Come to Be?

Prior to the Aztecs, Mexico and parts of central America were inhabited by groups of natives. In 200 to 700 A.D., central Mexico was dominated by a small empire called Teotihuacan. This was called the Classic period.

The inhabitants of Teotihuacan sold goods and traded with city-states throughout Mexico and other regions of Mesoamerica. After the fall of Teotihuacan, the region saw a rise in fighting for 200 years (700-900 AD).

Several cities came to power, and in 900 A.D., a group called the Toltec came to power. Their capital was Tula, which was situated about 20 miles north of Mexico City. While they were never as powerful or far-reaching as Teotihuacan, they did trade goods with other parts of Mesoamerica.

Civil unrest occurred in Toltec Empire and the Toltecs died, fled, or were dispersed. At the same time, a tribe who spoke Nahuatl moved to the center of Mexico. These Nahuatl-speaking people were the Aztecs.

Rise to Power

In their history, the Aztecs migrated from northern or north-western parts of Mexico. Anthropologically, the Aztecs may be related to the Asian groups that crossed the Bering Strait and traveled south during the Ice Age.

The Aztecs sometimes referred to as the Mexica people, traveled to the Anahuac valley. A ruling leader permitted them to live in Tizapan, which was rocky and abandoned. In 1325, they were forced to leave their rocky home and moved to Lake Texcoco and built their capital called Tenochtitlán.

From 1140-1350 A.D., leaders of the Mexican tribes and migrants began to establish city-states across Mexico. Each city-state (called altepetl) had a ruling king (called a tlatoani), a ruling class, and commoners.

These pockets of city-states began to spread to form small empires. Alongside Tenochtitlán were Acholhua and Azcapotzalco. The two empires faced a war with each other in 1428 AD. Acholhua allied with Tenochtitlán to win the war.

Afterward, The Aztecs began expanding their reaches and increasing their population. The Aztecs soon controlled the majority of northern Mexico. Between 1481 and 1519 AD, the Aztec Empire was at its peak. Therefore, the Spanish arrived during the peak of the Aztec Empire.

What Was It Like Living in the Aztec Empire?

There were two primary classes of people in the Aztec Empire-the commoners and the nobility. The nobility came to power through their family's blood or by marriage. They retained the majority of the power and determined how resources were spent.

The Aztec empire was primarily built upon tributes and political marriages. The upper class would pay or give tributes to the king.

The majority of the citizens were commoners. While the commoners grouped geographically to work together, the lands were owned by the nobility. Socially, slaves were considered at the bottom of the social class. Commoners could improve their social status by winning in great battles

Money and Market

The Aztecs were great farmers. They grew corn, squash, and beans. They managed to create systems of irrigation through man-made canals and stone channels. However, they still did not have enough crop to feed the empire, so they turned to fishing.

Aztecs were also great artisans. They were known in Mesoamerica for their ability to craft cotton fabric, textiles, and clothing. It was mostly women that created these textiles, and women in all classes practiced the art and practice of making textiles.

These textiles were sold or traded in the marketplace. All cities and towns had a marketplace. Textiles could serve as a form of cash in the marketplace, as well as cacao beans.

Aztec Art & Culture

The Aztecs were known for their intricate artwork that primarily related to their religion. In terms of art and technique, the Aztec borrowed skills and art from the cultures that existed in Mexico before them, especially the Teotihuacan, Toltec, and Olmec peoples.

Art historians believe that the Aztecs gathered artists from different parts of Mexico and Central American to help craft Tenochtitlan. Each type of art usually formed its guild, where arts of the same skill honed their craft or performed tasks for other artists.

Aztecs were skilled in carving gems and making jewelry. They gilded objects in gold or silver. Their jewelry and statues contained precious and semi-precious stones, like jade, obsidian, coral, turquoise, and ruby. During the Spanish invasion, the conquistadors stole the gold and silver jewelry and melted it down for money.

The Aztecs were fantastic carvers and carved gigantic, and sometimes small, statues. These statues most often depicted a god or they symbolized something religious. They could carve tiny insects out of pearl, coral, or onyx. They also carved masks used for ceremonies or to cover the face of a mummified body.

What was the Aztec Religion?

The Aztecs combined their own beliefs with the belief of the cultures already existing in Mesoamerica. The Aztecs had several gods that they worshipped, and they paid tribute to these gods while retaining their own mythological stories.

The Aztecs had a firm belief that Huitzilopochtli, the supreme god of sun and war, showed the Aztec people where they should settle by sending an eagle to sit on a cactus when the land was found. This god gave the Aztecs their name and their language.

The Aztecs celebrated their gods and underwent ceremonies to worship them. They danced and held banquets to honor these gods. They also buried precious metals and burned incense.

The Aztecs believed that the gods could be happy or sad, depending on what was happening among them in nature. If there was famine or drought, the Aztecs thought the gods were angry. Sometimes, they would sacrifice humans or animals to feed the gods blood to make them happy or less angry.

What Was the Aztec Calendar?

The Aztec calendar was primarily constructed to help Aztecs perform religious ceremonies and celebrate the gods. The Aztecs had a few different calendars.

The Aztec calendar was a day-focused calendar and consisted of 260 days that was separated into groups of 20 days. Each 20-day group was also given a number out of 13. The result was a day that had both a number label and name.

The calendar was built from observation of the heavenly bodies. It specifically worked with the rise of Venus and the length of the farming season.

The Aztecs also had a yearly calendar which served as the Solar calendar. It consisted of 365 days for a single cycle. The calendar was separated into 18 groups (months) that consisted of 20 days. This calendar helped to plan religious ceremonies.

In the 52 nd year of the cycle, the Aztecs would hold the New Fire Ceremony. During the ceremony, they would make a human sacrifice to gods. The Aztecs believed that if the gods were happy, the sun would return the next day. If the gods were unhappy, the world would meet its end.

Every other cycle, the two calendars would align. The calendars would reset.

What Happened to the Aztecs?

In 1517, the Spanish sent expeditions to America. Montezuma sent an Aztec convey to meet them. The Spanish expeditions returned to Spain with mention of immense amounts of gold. Therefore, the Spanish decided to send a fleet to conquer this land of gold.

In 1519, Hernan Cortés landed with his army in the New World. The Europeans easily defeated the native Aztecs. The Aztec emperor sent gifts as peace offerings.

Cortés traveled to Tenochtitlan in peace, but the peace ended nearly two weeks later. Cortés took the Aztec ruler captive, and the Aztecs became subjects of Charles V, who was the ruler of the Roman Empire and Spanish Empire at the time.

Many of the Aztecs died from smallpox brought by the Europeans. Many more Aztecs were killed in the fighting between the natives and the European invaders. The Spanish destroyed the Aztec capital in the invasion and built a new city atop it.

Other Interesting Facts & Information About Aztecs:

Aztec writing consisted of pictures

Aztecs were good at medicine and could effectively treat wounds, broken bones, or illnesses.

Religious ceremonies could last several days

Sacrifices to gods were made on top of pyramids
Many of the sacrifices were villagers taken from enemies during battle

Aztec subjects paid tribute by offering food, textiles, or artwork

Aztec children went to school based on their gender

Emperors were put in power by a council of nobles

Aztecs recycled waste to help fertilize crops

Aztecs had "floating gardens," which were small areas of land in lake beds

Read about the Inca Civilization

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The Aztecs: Facts & Information for Kids - History for Kids

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The Aztecs were a tribal group of people who lived in the central area of Mexico from the 14th century to the 16th century (around 1345 AD to 1521 AD).

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10 Aztec Accomplishments and Achievements - Have Fun With History

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The Aztecs were a vibrant and powerful Mesoamerican civilization that thrived in the 14th to 16th centuries. Centered around their majestic capital city, Tenochtitlan, the Aztecs achieved remarkable accomplishments in various fields. Their achievements in areas such as agriculture, mathematics, art, and military prowess left a lasting impact on Mesoamerican history. This brief introduction sets ... Read more