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The Birth and Spread of Agriculture                       9500-2500 BC

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The Birth and Spread of Agriculture                       9500-2500 BC

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Even before the classic ages of Mesoamerica, the early birth of agriculture began in 9500 BC. The appearance of maize and squash crops were becoming abundant. As depicted on page 315 of Scarre's book, there were many species of plants (Chia, Legumes, Beans, etc.) being cultivated throughout Mexico. Around 3000 BC, agriculture was spreading with popularity. The first sedentary communities consisted of simple houses with about 200 inhabitants.

Human Cultural Development:
The transition from hunter-gather life into agricultural societies was the first step in shaping the foundation for early economy. This also allowed for the advancement of early settlements and civilizations. In Pre-classic Mesoamerica, populations were still small, but agriculture allowed sizes to increase dramatically through the next centuries (Scarre, 2013).

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 16: Mesoamerican Civilization," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
p.315; 589
Picture:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/Corncobs.jpg

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During the middle pre-classic period the Olmec people where known to create large, impressive structures. For example, in San Lorenzo, The Red palace There was an accumulation of water ceremonies as seen with the Elmanti Pond. During this time people were using iron and creating large basalt stone heads. Households were established in villages. In La Venta there is evidence of monuments, platforms, courtyards, pyramid structures, and of course agriculture. (Scarre, 2013)

Human Cultural Development:
This was a time when symbols, art and ideologies were being shared. Societies where becoming much more complex as they began developing though the middle pre-classic period. Also, the presence of iron material signified wealth and status. The Olmecs had their own unique culture, language, and strategy which reflects the stratified elements between all Mesoamerican civilizations. (Scarre, 2013)

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 16: Mesoamerican Civilization," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
p.601
Picture:
https://media1.britannica.com/eb-media/92/102292-004-883B7FB0.jpg

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Early writing was presented as communication depicted by sign or glyph characters and some presenting as pictographs. Early writing in Mesoamerica was established by people who spoke Nahan, Maya, Mixe-Zoque, Mixtec, and Zapotec. The oldest discovered writing was from the Casajal inscription thought to be of Olmec origin. Archaeologists believe that the Mixe-Zoque adopted writing around the same time as the Zapotecs. A large monument that depicts long inscriptions was found at the site of La Mojarra and evidence of Maya inscription were discovered at san Bartolo (Scarre, 2013).

Human cultural development:
The development of writing was a huge step in developing culturally and socially. Not only is it a new form of communication, but it opens up the future possibility of long distance communication. Writing also allowed various cultures to express their beliefs, ideologies, and rituals (Scarre, 2013).

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 16: Mesoamerican Civilization," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
p.606- 08
Picture:
http://www.ancientscripts.com/images/cascajal.gif

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Zapotec: Monte Alban          200 BC- AD 100                

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Zapotec: Monte Alban          200 BC- AD 100                

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During the earlier period at the site of Monte Alban there is arrangement of the Dazante warrior freize which represents sacrifice of the enemy. Between 200 BC and Ad 100 new grand building began to appear, including 20 temples and some ball courts. People used adobe clay bricks to build administrative centers, such as Dainzu. Population size was estimated to be 41,000 people withing 518 settlements. later on, populations decreased; however, the site was never actually abandoned (Scarre, 2013).

Human Cultural Development:
We see social development as unify in Oaxaca valley and populations size greatly increase. The Dazante was suggestive of warfare and increase in competition between the earlier people. There is also an advancement in architectural skills suggesting social and cultural development. Communities where also becoming territorial as more establishments were made. there was also an advancement of politics systems present (Scarre, 2013)

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 16: Mesoamerican Civilization," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
p.612
Picture:
https://artandsacredsites.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/page-74-2nd-choice-pyramid-monte-alban.jpg

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During the earlier, drier periods not many farmers cultivated the land but in 300 BC populations massively grew and was dominantly urbanized. During Classic period there was a ceremonial center and about 2000 apartment compounds surround it. During the middle horizon this place was urbanized with a population of about 80,000 people. Workshops made ceramic vessel, jewelry, pottery, fiber, grinding stones and used fiber or feathers. Also, the discovery of 40 scarified victims where discovered. Also, the Teotiuacan's had a unique writing system which used glyphs (Scarre, 2013).

Human Cultural development:
With increased population and urbanization there is also demographic growth during early settlements. They also had ties and wider influence during the middle horizon. Religious belief and ceremonial practiced were common for the people. there is also inequality present with the stratified status promoting the enhanced lived of kings and priests. trade was abundant during the classic periods and there was increases ranking and stratified status. the sacrifices further supports the possible inequality of the people or represents religious belief (Scarre, 2013).

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 16: Mesoamerican Civilization," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
p. 613-17
Picture:
https://i1.wp.com/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/SSA41434.JPG/800px-SSA41434.JPG

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Classic Maya                                    AD 250 - 800

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Classic Maya                                    AD 250 - 800

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Maya presented with the first recorded kings dating to about AD 150 in Mayan dynasties. Later on we see strong sites including: Nakbe, El mirador, and Tikal. During Early Classic Maya, which lasted from AD 250 - 600, there was kingship, dynasties, and conflict. Late Classic Maya, which took place between AD 700 and 800, had evidence of 20,000 texts written on pottery and buildings. texts reflected: rulers and lords, ancestors, dynasties, rituals, alliances, and wars. During this time is also when the Mayans referred to calendars. This was also during the time of crisis which would eventually lead to the abandonment of many cities (Scarre, 2013).

Human Cultural Development:
Kingship played a major role in social and political organization during this period. Development of complex writing and calendars was present during Classic Maya. After the late pre-classic there was a spread of Mayan rituals of royal and ritual statements. Many acts emphasized warfare as there was increased conflict in the early classic. Mayans were organized into statuses including: Royalty, Lords and Officials, and Commoners. Each group was treated very differently (Scarre, 2013)

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 16: Mesoamerican Civilization," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
p.622-25
Picture:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/8f/8f/be/8f8fbe395508912ea2ebd20d99b2d29e.jpg

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Warfare: Cancuen                            AD 800

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Warfare: Cancuen                            AD 800

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Warfare played a major role during the Classic periods in Mesoamerica. One site in particular, Cancuen, Is known to have had a past riddled with war. Entire families where killed during violent conflict. These stressors played a role in bringing down entire dynasties later on. Canuen was on of many cities that recorded war and alliances. These wars were thought to be partially of river route access between areas.

Human Cultural development:
Cancuen played a major role in commerce and interactions between the south and the west. An increase in technologies played a major role in not only trade and urban growth, but also war. This in turn shaped superiority and shed a light on the more dominant, stronger civilizations (Scarre, 2013)

Sources:
"Cancuen Archaeological Project." Cancuen Archaeological Project. Accessed May 30, 2017.
https://cancuenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/AnMes-2014-Economy-Exchange-and-Power.pdf
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 16: Mesoamerican Civilization," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
p.611-26
Picture:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/Mesoamerica_english.PNG

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Post-Classic: rise of the Toltecs AD 900

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Post-Classic: rise of the Toltecs AD 900

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Around the same time we see the rise of the accomplished Toltecs. Tula was an urban city that was quite rich and skilled. The people were ruled by Ce Arctl Tropiltzin and were known to sacrifice butteries to the god they worshiped known as Quetzalcoaatl. The city of Tula was built by the Tolteca-Chichimeca and has a ceremonial core. In AD 900 Tula matured into a large, successful city. People spoke Nahua and used workshops to manufacture pottery, tools, and stone. There was also evidence of pyramids, halls, and courtyards. They were able to grow large maize crops (Scarre, 2013)

Human Cultural development:
This was a time of Urbanism development. Early city life ultimately symbolized harmonious living withing some Post-Classic Mesoamericans. Stone worriers help understand warlike references. I believe it's important to highlight it because of how the city depicts goal or nature of Mesoamerican people. The rise of this city played a major role into the development of the Aztec culture. Their language, writing, and architecture was very similar to the Aztecs as well (Scarre, 2013).

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 16: Mesoamerican Civilization," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
p.628
Cartwright, Mark. "Toltec Civilization." Ancient History Encyclopedia. September 9, 2013. Accessed May 28, 2017.
http://www.ancient.eu/Toltec_Civilization/
Picture:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/3100761736_e05a680d1c.jpg?v=0

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Post-Classic Maya: Mayan Fall          AD 1150-1350

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Post-Classic Maya: Mayan Fall          AD 1150-1350

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Throughout the post-classic Mayan period many civilizations began to exponentially deteriorate. The process is believed to have occurred throughout 150 years. The strongest theory for the fall was presented by archaeologists. They believe that events such as overpopulation and over-cultivation for agricultural purposes were the causes. this in turn triggered warfare, disease, famine, and fallen rulers. One fall in particular, was the collapse Mayan city of Mayapan which was formed in the 11th century. It held about 4000 buildings, and was home to around 12,000 people. Mayapan fell in AD 1441 because of famine, drought, and rebellion against the Cocom family. (Scarre, 2013)

Human Cultural development:
This was a very harsh time for individuals among the collapsing Mayan societies. The limited resources reflects just how much of Mayan culture relied on land for their survival. This event is extremely significant because the collapse of a once strong group will light the way for new, future inhabitants.

Sources:
Aimers, James, and David Hodell. Shibboleth Authentication Request; UW Libraries. November 2, 2011. Accessed May 30, 2017.
http://www.nature.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/nature/journal/v479/n7371/full/479044a.html
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 16: Mesoamerican Civilization," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.

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Aztecs: Tenochtitlan                      AD 1325-1521                                                  

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Aztecs: Tenochtitlan                      AD 1325-1521                                                  

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Tenochtitlan was the Aztec capital which was established in 1325. It was one of the most abundant cities recorded. There were about 50,000 people living on the island. At the center of the capitol stood the Templo Mayor which was enclosed by a 400m perimeter. at the top of the 98 ft structure was an area designated to the gods. There were palaces surrounding this which housed the kings, nobles, and officials. there were royal luxuries such as nice kitchens, zoos and gardens. Also, merchants tended to a central market. Sadly the capital was destroyed in 1521 and demolished by Spaniards (Scarre, 2013).

Human Cultural Development:
This was one of the largest and most complex capitols in Mesoamerica. I think it provides a great example of the stratifies living or housing experiences for individuals. Royal and officials were clearly treated much better than the rest of the population. However, culturally they were flourishing with their own religious beliefs, sculptures, and advanced architecture (Scarre, 2013).

Sources:
Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 16: Mesoamerican Civilization," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.
p.634
Picture:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Tenochtitlan.jpg/260px-Tenochtitlan.jpg

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Aimers, James, and David Hodell. Shibboleth Authentication Request; UW Libraries. November 2, 2011. Accessed May 30, 2017.
http://www.nature.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/nature/journal/v479/n7371/full/479044a.html

Cartwright, Mark. "Toltec Civilization." Ancient History Encyclopedia. September 9, 2013. Accessed May 28, 2017.
http://www.ancient.eu/Toltec_Civilization/

"Cancuen Archaeological Project." Cancuen Archaeological Project. Accessed May 30, 2017.
https://cancuenproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/AnMes-2014-Economy-Exchange-and-Power.pdf

Scarre, Christopher. "Chapter 16: Mesoamerican Civilization," The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. 3rd ed. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2013.