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The Olmec, Toltec, and Aztec

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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. A reason they may not have used it for something more productive, such as building a moveable cart, was that their land was so wet and boggy the wheel would be useless. Advancement Cont. n The main set of architecture was in the Chichen Itza, or the volcanic resembling pyramids that the Olmec built. n They also accomplished the first drainage system that was underground. It consisted of channeled blocks of stone that were set into the earth and covered in slabs. nThey created an early writing system of hieroglyphics consisting of signs that made up pictures. The Toltecs -Sacred Ball Game -Toltec Warriors Religion n The Toltec civilization also made a form of the Chichen Itza, a pyramid like structure similar to the Mayans. n The most important god in their diety was Quetzalcoatl, the warrior god who was also the creator in their religion. n Their sacred ball game was similar to the Olmec’s; however, in this game if you were on the losing team, you would be sacrificed to the gods. Toltec Andean Warriors n The Toltec Andean Warriors represent the Toltec Warriors, which are located in Tula where they watch over the ancient city. n There are four of these stone warriors atop a pyramid, which support the Temple of the Morning Star (the planet of Venus) Military Achievements n The Toltecs formed a warrior aristocracy. Their territory was that of present day Mexico, Guatemala and the Pacific coastal area of Chiopas. n They were dominant over most of Mexico with their strong military during this period. n Their empire extended over central Mexico, and their influence went from their capital at Tula all the way to Guatemala. Advanced Architecture n Influenced by the Olmecs, the Toltecs were master architects; their architecture was also greatly influenced by their religion. They built Monk’s Mound, a pyramid covering about 15 acres, and was one of the largest pyramids of ancient Mexico. The Aztecs of Tenochtitlan -Advanced weaponry -Irrigation through chinampas -Unique Calendars Basic Government n Calpulli were clans in Aztec Society. But as the Aztec power increased, they were transformed into a noble class. They controlled the priesthood and military leadership. And though most people were born into this class, some could be promoted. n The gap between this class and the commoners was increasing, and social distinctions were made more obvious through restrictions of clothing, hairstyles, and uniforms. Military Advantages n The Aztecs were very harsh and skilled fighters who were often wanted to allies. They invented the Atlatl, which helped them to throw spears, along with catching fish. n Soldiers were common people in Aztec life. When a boy was born, his umbilical cord would be cut off and buried on a battle field to signify his life would be dedicated to military. Economy n The large population at Tenochtitlan depended greatly on agriculture, mostly produced by the peasants. n They irrigated agriculture through chinampas, which were beds of aquatic weeds and mud that were placed in frames. n The market that operated daily was controlled by the pochteca, a merchant class. nThe Aztecs had a very advanced market system Calendar n The Aztecs invented to very sophisticated calendars. The first was a 365 day calendar called the Xiuhpohualli. n The second Aztec calendar was the 260 day, the tonalpohualli, a sacred calendar that was a tool for dividing days and rituals between the gods. It consists of two wheels being turned with different signs and numbers on them; as their year comes to a close, the calendar is set back to its original state. .
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