DOCSLIB.ORG

Interpark Messenger

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Interpark Messenger INTERPARK MESSENGER A VISITOR'S GUIDE TO YOUR NATIONAL PARK, MONUMENTS AND HISTORICAL AREAS Came and exftfeie these seven intriguing areas, which are managed by Centuries ago, Anasazi or prehistoric pueblo have deepened at Canyon de Chelly, alongside the the National Park Service in the vicinity of the vast peoples left behind the remarkable ruins of their once ancient ruins there. Navajo Indian Reservation... flourishing towns at Aztec, Chaco, Canyon de Chelly, El Malpais also offers a challenging view of Each of them features some facet of the story of and Navajo. These ancestral homes remain a vital volcanic events and their later importance for human the American Indian peoples of the Southwest. part of living cultures in the Southwest. At El Morro, settlement. This is canyon and mesa country, where the land later European arrivals also added their signatures These seven areas define some of the unique has been shaped by erosion and geologic uplift, by to the marks left by far earlier inhabitants. character of the American Southwest. As the respon­ volcanoes and by the people themselves. It is also Today at Hubbell Trading Post, a historic pattern sible agency, the National Park Service invites you land that has been traversed by traders and travellers of supply and demand on the Navajo Reservation to discover the opportunities at each of them during through the ages, into the present time. continues. The enduring traditions of Navajo culture your visit. NAVAJO AZTEC RUINS NATIONAL NATIONAL MONUMENT MONUMENT This Anasazi site is located on the out­ This picturesque monument near Tsegi skirts of Aztec, New Mexico. Ancestors Canyon, southwest of Kayenta, Arizona, of the modern Pueblo Indians, not the features remarkably well-preserved and Aztecs of Mexico, built multi-story intensively studied cliff ruins. These an­ pueblos and other buildings which com­ cient villages were built and occupied prise this settlement. over 700 years ago by members of the In 1934 noted Southwestern ar­ prehistoric Kayenta Anasazi culture. To­ chaeologist Earl Morris reconstructed the day, Navajo Indians raise sheep and cat­ Great Kiva, a partially subterranean tle in the canyons. ceremonial chamber which dominates the central plaza. See NAVAJO NAT'L. MON. on page 2 See AZTEC RUINS NAT'L MON. on page 7 CANYON DE CHELLY CHACO CULTURE NATIONAL NATIONAL MONUMENT HISTORICAL PARK Located in the heart of the Navajo Chaco Canyon, situated half-way bet­ Reservation, near Chinle, Arizona. The ween Thoreau and Farmington, New awesome beauty and spectacular Mexico, represents one of the most scenery of these canyons have been outstanding archaeological areas in the "home" to archaic hunters, Anasazi United States. By the 12th century, the farmers and Navajo herdsmen for over Anasazi of Chaco Canyon had reached 2,000 years. The diverse micro- cultural heights in architecture, social environments provide a fascinating blend organization, trade routes and communi­ of geology, archaeology and Southwest­ ty life rarely matched in pre-historic North ern history. America. See CANYON DE CHELLY NAT'L. MON. on page 4-5 See CHACO CULTURE NAT'L. HIST. PARK on page 6 W, HUBBELL EL MORRO EL MALPAIS TRADING POST NATIONAL NATIONAL NATIONAL HISTORIC MONUMENT MONUMENT SITE Just outside of Ganado, Arizona, Hubbell Situated on the ancient trail between the "El Malpais," Spanish for "The Badlands," Trading Post is the oldest continually active pueblos of Zuni and Acoma, this massive mesa- is nestled between majestic ML Taylor and the trading post on the Navajo Reservation. point of sandstone, with its natural water basin, Zuni Mountains just south of Grants, New Mex­ Since 1878 when John Lorenzo Hubbell was a popular camp-site. ico. Known for its volcanic craters, ice caves and founded the business, the post has been a For centuries, the early Anasazi, and later extensive lava flows. crossroads of cultures, oftentimes the only Pueblo Indians, Spanish Conquistadores, Army The region is also rich in ancient Pueblo In­ link the Indians had with the White man's troopers, emigrants and settlers camped at the dian history and features a diverse ecosystem. world. The area is well known for its finely water hole and carved their inscriptions on the Portions of the area are administered by the woven Navajo rugs. base of the bluff. Bureau of Land Management. See HUBBELL TRADING POST on page 3 See EL MORRO NAT'L. MON. on page 3 See EL MALPAIS NAT'L MON. on page 7 INTERPARK MESSENGER, 1992 Page 2 NAVAJO NATIONAL MONUMENT avajo National Monument is located west VISITOR CENTER Nof Kayenta, AZ, on the Navajo Indian Reservation (off U.S. Highway 160, 10 miles Late May — Sept. Oct. — mid-Dec, Mar. — Late May Mid-Dec. — Mar. north of the Black Mesa Junction on State 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Highway 564). (MDT) (MDT & MST) (MST) The picturesque monument was established Here, you may view authentic Anasazi and cards, and other items may be purchased at the in 1909, and features remarkably well-preserved Navajo Indian artifacts on exhibit or a schedul­ facility as well. and intensively studied cliff ruins. These ancient ed film on the Anasazi/Hisatsinom culture in the Park Rangers are on duty to share informa­ villages were built and occupied 700 years ago southwest. An orientation slide program is also tion about the monument or the area. A craft by members of the prehistoric Kayenta Anasazi available, on request. The "Family Home" ex­ store featuring handmade Southwestern Indian culture. hibit is a full scale replica of a typical household crafts is located in the visitor center. A pinon and juniper forest surrounds the built in the Kayenta Anasazi architectural style No entrance fees are required for visiting the visitor center at an elevation of 7300 feet above of the period. monument. The visitor center is open seven sea level. Summer temperatures often reach into Free tokens (tickets) for the Betatakin ruin tour days a week, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, the 90 degree range (F), but cool off pleasantly or backcountry permits for Keet Seel hiking or and New Year's Day. The building and restroom by evening. Afternoon thundershowers are com­ horse trips may be arranged here. Books, post­ facilities are all mobility accessible. mon in July and August, while snow and sub- freezing temperatures are likely during the winter months. TSEGI CANYON OVERLOOK IT IS IMPORTANT TO CALL FOR INFORMA­ TION PRIOR TO YOUR VISIT, SINCE TIMES SANDAL TRAIL This panoramic viewpoint shows the current extent of canyon cutting in the Tsegi Canyon AND SCHEDULES OFTEN CHANGE WITHOUT Open year-round during daylight hours, this system, and reveals several rock formations that NOTICE! self-guided, one-mile (roundtrip) rim trail leads have been exposed in the process. It is located During hot weather, by late June, this walk to an overlook for a breathtaking view of the a few steps from parking near the entrance to becomes quite arduous, as there is little shade scenic Betatakin ruin across the canyon, VA mile the monument boundary. ,• on the trail except at the ruin. Rain gear is recom­ away. Along the trail, wayside exhibits identify mended when summer thunderstorms occur dur­ plant uses among the Navajo, Hopi, and the BETATAKIN RUIN TOURS ing July and August. If you have heart or prehistoric Anasazi. Average walking time on the respiratory trouble, or are out of condition, the The Betatakin ruin exists in one of the more paved trail is 45 minutes (roundtrip). Binoculars high altitude, heat, and steep grade of the trail dramatic southwestern settings: its high-vaulted are recommended, although there is a telescope can make the trip difficult and should not be at­ alcove opens onto a red rock canyon, forested at the overlook. tempted. Dangerous rockfall from the ceiling of with aspen, fir and oak. The ranger-guided hik­ An old-style, "forked-stick" hogan, sweat the cave is sometimes possible and may Cause ing tour to the ruin follows a strenuous, 5-mile lodge, and historic buckboard wagon are abrupt changes in the tour schedule!: ;:: ,: featured with wayside signs at the Navajo roundtrip route, usually takes 5-6 hours, and is Homesite Exhibit, near the start of the Sandal equal in difficulty to a 700-foot descent into and CAMPING Trail. return from the Grand Canyon. Two quarts of A side trail diverts to the Betatakin Canyon water per person and sturdy shoes are recom­ Camping is also free at the monument, and is Overlook, which is part way down the head of mended for the tour. available on a first-come, first-served basis. Max- the canyon. From this vantage, you can ap­ Tours are limited to 24 people, on a first-come,: imum:$tay.is:{imited to 7 jStaysiThe main cam­ preciate how important the unique canyon en­ first-served basis. Each person interested in the pground features 30 sites (no hookups or vironment was for the Anasazi and for the pre­ hike must pick up their own ticket in person at showers), with one space reserved for mobility sent day Navajo. The ruin is not visible from this the visitor center, no sooner than the day of the impaired visitors. The comfort station offers run­ point, nor can one descend further than the tour. Advance reservations are not accepted. De­ ning, drinkable water and flush facilities. Vehicles overlook, due to hazardous rockfall potential mand for a spot on the hike is high, so ar­ larger than 25 feet in length are discouraged, due below. rive early! to limited passage through the campground. The tours are conducted once daily at 11:00 The smaller, overflow/group campground has KEET SEEL BACKCOUNTRY PERMITS a.m.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • An Environmental History of the Middle Rio Grande Basin
    United States Department of From the Rio to the Sierra: Agriculture Forest Service An Environmental History of Rocky Mountain Research Station the Middle Rio Grande Basin Fort Collins, Colorado 80526 General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-5 Dan Scurlock i Scurlock, Dan. 1998. From the rio to the sierra: An environmental history of the Middle Rio Grande Basin. General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-5. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 440 p. Abstract Various human groups have greatly affected the processes and evolution of Middle Rio Grande Basin ecosystems, especially riparian zones, from A.D. 1540 to the present. Overgrazing, clear-cutting, irrigation farming, fire suppression, intensive hunting, and introduction of exotic plants have combined with droughts and floods to bring about environmental and associated cultural changes in the Basin. As a result of these changes, public laws were passed and agencies created to rectify or mitigate various environmental problems in the region. Although restoration and remedial programs have improved the overall “health” of Basin ecosystems, most old and new environmental problems persist. Keywords: environmental impact, environmental history, historic climate, historic fauna, historic flora, Rio Grande Publisher’s Note The opinions and recommendations expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USDA Forest Service. Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the Federal Government. The author withheld diacritical marks from the Spanish words in text for consistency with English punctuation. Publisher Rocky Mountain Research Station Fort Collins, Colorado May 1998 You may order additional copies of this publication by sending your mailing information in label form through one of the following media.
    [Show full text]
  • The Olmec, Toltec, and Aztec
    Mesoamerican Ancient Civilizations The Olmec, Toltec, and Aztec Olmecs of Teotihuacán -“The People of the Land of Rubber…” -Large stone heads -Art found throughout Mesoamerica Olmec Civilization Origin and Impact n The Olmec civilization was thought to have originated around 1500 BCE. Within the next three centuries of their arrival, the people built their capital at Teotihuacán n This ancient civilization was believed by some historians to be the Mother-culture and base of Mesoamerica. “The city may well be the basic civilization out of which developed such high art centers as those of Maya, Zapotecs, Toltecs, and Totonacs.” – Stirling Cultural Practices n The Olmec people would bind wooden planks to the heads of infants to create longer and flatter skulls. n A game was played with a rubber ball where any part of the body could be used except for hands. Religion and Art n The Olmecs believed that celestial phenomena such as the phases of the moon affected daily life. n They worshipped jaguars, were-jaguars, and sometimes snakes. n Artistic figurines and toys were found, consisting of a jaguar with a tube joining its front and back feet, with clay disks forming an early model of the wheel. n Large carved heads were found that were made from the Olmecs. Olmec Advancements n The Olmecs were the first of the Mesoamerican societies, and the first to cultivate corn. n They built pyramid type structures n The Olmecs were the first of the Mesoamerican civilizations to create a form of the wheel, though it was only used for toys.
    [Show full text]
  • In What Ways Were the Maya, the Aztecs, and the Inca Advanced for Their Time?
    DO NOT EDIT--Changes must be made through “File info” CorrectionKey=A perform the task In what ways were the Maya, the Aztecs, and the Inca advanced for their time? You will read: You will write: ▶ THREE INFORMATIVE ▶ AN INFORMATIVE ESSAY ARTICLES In what ways were the Maya, the Mayan Civilization Aztecs, and the Inca advanced for their time? Aztecs The Inca © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company • ImageVision/Getty ©Digital ImagesCredits: Unit 2: Informative Essay 55 9_LNLEAS147591_U2S3O.indd 55 5/30/13 1:52 PM DO NOT EDIT--Changes must be made through “File info” DO NOT EDIT--Changes must be made through “File info” CorrectionKey=A CorrectionKey=A Part 1: Read Sources Source 1: Informative Article Mayan Civilization 30 by Suzanne Hopkins AS YOU READ Identify key Long before the rise of the Inca and Aztec Empires, Mayan terms that you might want to civilization flourished in Central America. The Maya first settled use in your essay. in the region as early as 1500 BC, growing maize and living in small agricultural communities. But by about AD 200, these villages were NOTES becoming cities. At its height, Mayan civilization included more than 40 cities, each with a population of 5,000 to 50,000 people. The cities had 40 huge stone buildings, including palaces, pyramids, and temples. Each city-state was ruled by a king. Mayan Society Mayan society was hierarchical, divided by both class and 10 profession. Below the king was a class of nobles; a middle class was composed of priests and commoners; at the lowest level were slaves.
    [Show full text]
  • Place Names Describing Fossils in Oral Traditions
    Place names describing fossils in oral traditions ADRIENNE MAYOR Classics Department, Stanford University, Stanford CA 94305 (e-mail: [email protected]) Abstract: Folk explanations of notable geological features, including fossils, are found around the world. Observations of fossil exposures (bones, footprints, etc.) led to place names for rivers, mountains, valleys, mounds, caves, springs, tracks, and other geological and palaeonto- logical sites. Some names describe prehistoric remains and/or refer to traditional interpretations of fossils. This paper presents case studies of fossil-related place names in ancient and modern Europe and China, and Native American examples in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Evidence for the earliest known fossil-related place names comes from ancient Greco-Roman and Chinese literature. The earliest documented fossil-related place name in the New World was preserved in a written text by the Spanish in the sixteenth century. In many instances, fossil geonames are purely descriptive; in others, however, the mythology about a specific fossil locality survives along with the name; in still other cases the geomythology is suggested by recorded traditions about similar palaeontological phenomena. The antiquity and continuity of some fossil-related place names shows that people had observed and speculated about miner- alized traces of extinct life forms long before modern scientific investigations. Traditional place names can reveal heretofore unknown geomyths as well as new geologically-important sites. Traditional folk names for geological features in the Named fossil sites in classical antiquity landscape commonly refer to mythological or and modern Greece legendary stories that accounted for them (Vitaliano 1973). Landmarks notable for conspicuous fossils Evidence for the practice of naming specific fossil have been named descriptively or mythologically locales can be found in classical antiquity.
    [Show full text]
  • Mexico), a Riverine Settlement in the Usumacinta Region
    UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE From Movement to Mobility: The Archaeology of Boca Chinikihá (Mexico), a Riverine Settlement in the Usumacinta Region A Dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology by Nicoletta Maestri June 2018 Dissertation Committee: Dr. Wendy Ashmore, Chairperson Dr. Scott L. Fedick Dr. Karl A. Taube Copyright by Nicoletta Maestri 2018 The Dissertation of Nicoletta Maestri is approved: Committee Chairperson University of California, Riverside ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This dissertation talks about the importance of movement and – curiously enough – it is the result of a journey that started long ago and far away. Throughout this journey, several people, in the US, Mexico and Italy, helped me grow personally and professionally and contributed to this accomplishment. First and foremost, I wish to thank the members of my dissertation committee: Wendy Ashmore, Scott Fedick and Karl Taube. Since I first met Wendy, at a conference in Mexico City in 2005, she became the major advocate of me pursuing a graduate career at UCR. I couldn’t have hoped for a warmer and more engaged and encouraging mentor. Despite the rough start and longer path of my graduate adventure, she never lost faith in me and steadily supported my decisions. Thank you, Wendy, for your guidance and for being a constant inspiration. During my graduate studies and in developing my dissertation research, Scott and Karl offered valuable advice, shared their knowledge on Mesoamerican cultures and peoples and provided a term of reference for rigorous and professional work. Aside from my committee, I especially thank Tom Patterson for his guidance and patience in our “one-to-one” core theory meetings.
    [Show full text]
  • A. the Aztecs Built an Empire Through Warfare and Trade and Created an Impressive Capital City in Mesoamerica
    The Aztec Empire 15.1 • The Aztecs built a great empire in central Mexico but were conquered by the Spanish in 1521. A. The Aztecs built an empire through warfare and trade and created an impressive capital city in Mesoamerica. • The first Aztecs were farmers, but when they arrived in Central America, all the good farmland was taken. To survive, they had to hire themselves out as warriors. B. The Aztecs’ Rise to Power • War was the key factor in the Aztecs’ rise to power. • The Aztecs built alliances, or partnerships, to build their empire. • The Aztecs made the people they conquered pay tribute, or give them cotton, gold, or food. • The Aztecs controlled a huge trade network. Markets drew buyers and sellers from all over the Aztec Empire. • By the early 1500s the Aztecs had the most powerful state in Mesoamerica. C. Tenochtitlán • Tenochtitlán was the capital of the Aztec Empire. It was built in the middle of a lake, on an island. • The Aztecs built causeways, or raised roads across water or wet ground, so people could access the city. • The Aztecs built stone canals to bring water to the city and floating gardens to raise food and flowers. • The city had huge temples, a busy market, clean streets, and magnificent palaces. • It was the greatest city in the Americas during the time of the Aztecs. D. Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire. • In the late 1400s Spanish explorers and soldiers arrived in the Americas. The soldiers, or conquistadors, came to explore new lands, search for gold, and spread the Catholic religion.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cult of the Book. What Precolumbian Writing Contributes to Philology
    10.3726/78000_29 The Cult of the Book. What Precolumbian Writing Contributes to Philology Markus Eberl Vanderbilt University, Nashville Abstract Precolumbian people developed writing independently from the Old World. In Mesoamerica, writing existed among the Olmecs, the Zapotecs, the Maya, the Mixtecs, the Aztecs, on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and at Teotihuacan. In South America, the knotted strings or khipus were used. Since their decipherment is still ongoing, Precolumbian writing systems have often been studied only from an epigraphic perspective and in isolation. I argue that they hold considerable interest for philology because they complement the latter’s focus on Western writing. I outline the eight best-known Precolumbian writing systems and de- scribe their diversity in form, style, and content. These writing systems conceptualize writing and written communication in different ways and contribute new perspectives to the study of ancient texts and languages. Keywords Precolumbian writing, decipherment, defining writing, authoritative discourses, canon Introduction Written historical sources form the basis for philology. Traditionally these come from the Western world, especially ancient Greece and Rome. Few classically trained scholars are aware of the ancient writing systems in the Americas and the recent advances in deciphering them. In Mesoamerica – the area of south-central Mexico and western Central America – various societies had writing (Figure 1). This included the Olmecs, the Zapotecs, the people of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the Maya, Teotihuacan, Mix- tecs, and the Aztecs. In South America, the Inka used knotted strings or khipus (Figure 2). At least eight writing systems are attested. They differ in language, formal structure, and content.
    [Show full text]
  • State Building in the Americas C. 1200 – C. 1450
    State Building in the Americas c. 1200 – c. 1450 Olmec, Mayan, Aztec, & Inca Empires Mound Building in N. America The Civilizations of America …advanced societies While classical civilizations were developing in were developing in the isolation in the Americas Mediterranean & Asia… During the Neolithic Title Revolution, these nomads settled into ■ Text farming villages; Some of which became advanced civilizations During the Ice Age, prehistoric nomads migrated across the land bridge between Asia & America The Olmecs The Olmecs are often called the “mother culture” because they influenced other Mesoamerican societies The first American civilization were people known as the Olmec in an area known as Mesoamerica The Olmecs developed a strong trade network in MesoamericaThe Olmecs that brought them great wealth The Olmecs used their Olmec trade allowed wealth to build large stone them to spread their monuments & pyramids to culture to other honor their leaders & gods Mesoamericans For unknown reasons, the Olmec civilization declined by 400 B.C. but their cities & symbols influenced later cultures, especially the Mayans Government: Mayans While theEconomy Olmecs: were in were divided intoThe MayansdeclineThe Mayan around economy 400 B.C., individual city-states thewas Mayans based were on trade evolving & & ruled by king-gods borrowedfarming many maize, Olmec beans ideas Society: (1) Kings (dynasties) The Mayans (2) Nobles, priests (3) warriors (4) Merchants, artisans (5) Peasants The Mayans Religion: Mayans were polytheistic & offered their blood, food, & sometimes human sacrifices to please the gods Technology: Mayans invented a writing based on pictures called glyphs, an accurate 365-day calendar, & advanced temples Tikal Chichen Itza The shadow of a serpent appears on one side of the pyramid stairs only on the equinox.
    [Show full text]
  • The Achievements of the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas
    The Achievements of the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas Section 1: Introduction There were three great peoples of the early Americas: the Mayas, the Aztecs, and the Incas. In this lesson, you will study the cultures of these peoples and explore their unique achievements. The history of these civilizations stretches from very ancient times to just a few centuries ago. Mayan civilization dates back to 2000 B.C.E. It reached its height in what is called the Classic period, from about 300 to 900 C.E. The Aztecs and the Incas built their empires in the two centuries before the Spanish arrived in the 1500s. Scholars have learned about these cultures in various ways. They have studied artifacts found at the sites of old settlements. They have read accounts left by Spanish soldiers and priests. And they have observed traditions that can still be found among the descendants of the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas. The more we learn about these cultures, the more we can appreciate what was special about each of them. The Mayas, for example, made striking advances in writing, astronomy, and architecture. Both the Mayas and the Aztecs created highly accurate calendars. The Aztecs adapted earlier pyramid designs to build massive stone temples. The Incas showed great skill in engineering and in managing their huge empire. In this lesson, you will study these and other achievements of the Mayas, the Aztecs, and the Incas. You will focus on three main areas of culture: science and technology, arts and architecture, and language and writing. Themes Cultural Interaction The civilizations of the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas made impressive cultural achievements in the areas of science and technology, arts and architecture, and language and writing.
    [Show full text]
  • Olmecs, Mayans, Aztecs and Incas
    Friday 2-28-20 Mesoamerican Cultures BELL WORK 1. What would happen if the entire city of Murfreesboro disappeared? 2. What proof would there be of our existence? 3. What do you think future generations would be able to infer about Murfreesboro? Learning Intention: Mesoamerican Cultures Success Criteria: I can explain the impact of geographic features and climate on the agricultural practices and settlement of the Maya, Aztec, and Incan civilizations. I can describe the social, economic, and political characteristics of the Maya, Aztec, and Incan civilizations. Monday March 2nd Mesoamerican Cultures BELL WORK 1. List 3 things that you found interesting about the Mayas 2. List 3 things that you found interesting about the Aztecs. Learning Intention: Mesoamerican Cultures Success Criteria: I can explain the impact of geographic features and climate on the agricultural practices and settlement of the Maya, Aztec, and Incan civilizations. I can describe the social, economic, and political characteristics of the Maya, Aztec, and Incan civilizations. Mayans, Aztecs and Incas 7.56 Explain the impact of geographic features and climate on the agricultural practices and settlement of the Maya, Aztec, and Incan civilizations. 7.57 Describe the social, economic, and political characteristics of the Maya, Aztec, and Incan civilizations, including: oral traditions, class structures, religious beliefs, slavery, and advancements (e.g., astronomy, mathematics, and calendar Olmec • stonemasons • built cities with stone buildings • built temples • farmers and traders • the first civilization to build pyramids • built colossal heads • Disappeared no one sure about what happened to the Olmec Who were the Olmec? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhQRDrJo wuM Mayans - Timeframe 300 A.D.
    [Show full text]
  • Mexica (Aztec) & Tlaxcala Accounts of the Spanish Conquest, 1500S
    Glasgow University Library MEXICA (AZTEC) & TLAXCALA ACCOUNTS OF THE SPANISH CONQUEST, 1500s Miguel León-Portilla,* a Mexican anthropologist, compiled native1519 accounts of the Spanish conquest of Mexico, publishing them in Visión de los Vencidos (Vision of the Vanquished, Attack of the Spanish on the Mixtón town of Nochist- 1959) to present a chronological account from the perspective lan, 1541, in Diego Muñoz Camargo, Historia de of the Indians of Mexico, including the Mexica (Aztec) and the Tlaxcala, ca. 1581-1584 Tlaxcala. Adapted from the Cronica Mexicana, accounts compiled by Fernando Alvarado Tezozomoc, the grandson of Motecuhzoma, ca. 1578 Motecuhzoma summoned the chief officials of all the villages. He told them to search their villages for magicians and to bring him any they found. The officials returned with a number of these wizards, who were announced and then brought into the king’s presence. They knelt before him, and with one knee to the floor, and did him the greatest reverence. He asked them: “Have you not seen strange omens in the sky or on the earth? In the cases under the earth, or in the lakes and streams? A weeping woman, or strange men? Visions, or phantasms, or other such things?” But the magicians had not seen any of the omens that Motecuhzoma sought to understand, and therefore could not advise him. “What can we say? The future has already been determined and decreed in heaven, and Motecuhzoma will behold and suffer a great mystery which must come to pass in his land. If our king wishes to know more about it, he will know soon enough, for it comes swiftly.
    [Show full text]
  • The Olmec, Maya & Aztec
    The Olmec, Maya & Aztec Mesoamerica • Mesoamerica refers to a geographical and cultural area which extends from central Mexico down through Central America. • The term “Meso” means middle. (Middle America) • Many important Ancient Civilizations developed in this area. • A civilization is a culture that has developed complex systems of government, education, and religion. Mesoamerica The Original Olmec Olmec Civilization • The Olmec civilization existed from 1300 BC to about 400 BC. • The Olmec are believed to be the earliest civilization in the Americas. • The Olmec people established a civilization in the area we know today as southern Mexico. Map of Olmec Empire: The “Mother Culture” • Many historians consider the Olmec civilization the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica. • A mother culture is a way of life that strongly influences later cultures. • The Olmec empire led to the development of other civilizations, such as the Maya and the Aztec. Olmec Daily Life • The Olmec were very good at farming. The land in this region was very fertile and food supply was steady. • They lived in villages near rivers and also fished for food. • Olmec people also were good at making pottery and weaving. Olmec Daily Life • The Olmec played a game called “pok-a-tok” where, you must shoot a rubber ball through a stone ring without using your hands or feet. • Huge ball courts built by the Olmec suggest that the game was popular with spectators. Olmec Art • The Olmec carved large heads from basalt, a type of volcanic rock. • What the giant stone heads represent or why the Olmec built them is a mystery.
    [Show full text]