Mesoamerica
Mesoamerica refers to a historical and cultural region extending from central Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and northern Costa Rica. This area was home to numerous pre-Columbian societies, each contributing to a rich tapestry of cultural, political, and economic development.
Geography
The geographical boundaries of Mesoamerica include the semi-arid regions of northern Mexico, the fertile valleys of central Mexico, the Yucatán Peninsula, and the highlands of Guatemala. This diverse landscape provided varied resources that shaped the civilizations within this region.
Chronology
- Pre-Classic Period (2000 BCE - 250 CE): Early development of agriculture, villages, and the rise of Olmec culture, often considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica.
- Classic Period (250 CE - 900 CE): Peak of the Maya, Teotihuacan, and other city-states. This era saw monumental architecture, advanced knowledge in astronomy, mathematics, and writing systems.
- Post-Classic Period (900 CE - 1519 CE): Dominated by the Toltec, Aztec (or Mexica), and the last surge of Maya civilization. This period ended with the arrival of the Spanish.
Cultural Highlights
Mesoamerica is renowned for:
- Agriculture: Development of maize, beans, squash, and other crops which sustained large populations.
- Writing Systems: The Maya script, one of the few fully developed writing systems of the pre-Columbian Americas.
- Calendars: Complex calendar systems, including the 260-day Tzolk'in and the 365-day Haab'.
- Architecture: Pyramids, ball courts, palaces, and urban planning in cities like Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, and Tikal.
- Art and Craft: Ceramic work, jade carvings, murals, and intricate feathered headdresses.
- Religion: Polytheistic, with deities like Quetzalcoatl, Huitzilopochtli, and Chac. Rituals often included human sacrifice, especially in the Aztec Empire.
Interaction and Trade
There was extensive trade among Mesoamerican societies, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture. Trade routes stretched from the highlands to the lowlands, involving materials like obsidian, jade, cacao, and feathers.
Decline and European Contact
The arrival of Europeans in the 16th century led to the decline of Mesoamerican civilizations through diseases, warfare, and the imposition of colonial rule. However, many cultural elements persisted and evolved, influencing modern-day practices and identities in the region.
Sources
See Also