How was Teotihuacan laid out? What major structures are present there?
Teotihuacan was laid out in a grid. The major thoroughfare was called the Avenue of the Dead.
The major structures present at Teotihuacan were the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the moon and the Feathered serpent pyramid.
The major structures present at Teotihuacan were the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the moon and the Feathered serpent pyramid.
What is the most important stela in Mayan history? What does it depict and why is it important?
Stela 31 in Tikal. It depicts Sihyaj Chan K'awill in very Mayan garb, being anointed ruler by Yax Nuun Ahiin. The backside gives a very detailed account of the actions, and speaks of a respect for the Maya.
It speaks of the gods as being "half diminished" and that the new leaders must be the caretakers of the gods.
Refers to 28 provinces, which suggests a larger sociopolitical structure.
It speaks of the gods as being "half diminished" and that the new leaders must be the caretakers of the gods.
Refers to 28 provinces, which suggests a larger sociopolitical structure.
How do found stone points point to the mixing of two Mesoamerican paleoindian cultures?
In central America/south america, we see fishtailed points. In south America, we see pure fishtailed points. In Mexico and more northerly areas we see bifacially flaked points. In central america, we see hybrid points, which suggests the mixing of two cultures.
When do we see the first Mayan Ceramics and what were their phases of development?
We first see Mayan Ceramics in the Early Preclassic.
In the Barra Phase (1800 BC) The ceramics were very complex and were highly decorated and refined. Predominantly Tecomate ("neckless vessel").
In the Locona Phase (1700-1500BC) we see even more elaborate forms, including the introduction of legged vessels.
Ceramics appear to have been developed elsewhere then introduced. It is unclear as to where exactly they came from.
In the Barra Phase (1800 BC) The ceramics were very complex and were highly decorated and refined. Predominantly Tecomate ("neckless vessel").
In the Locona Phase (1700-1500BC) we see even more elaborate forms, including the introduction of legged vessels.
Ceramics appear to have been developed elsewhere then introduced. It is unclear as to where exactly they came from.
What is Olmec Religion based on?
Based on Maize and Agriculture, and building a fundamental personal relationship with the forces of nature which then creates personal wealth. It is not based on trying to understand forces like rain or thunder or maize, but rather a personal connection with these forces.
They believed in shamanistic transformation where people could change into their spirit animal.
They believed in shamanistic transformation where people could change into their spirit animal.
What differences do we see between the Middle and Late Preclassic Maya?
There are now very significant differences in social status between elite and workers.
There is a codification of religion and ideological practices.
There are increasing trends toward urbanism, including the building of extensive apartment complexes.
The giant cities of the classic period are founded.
Rulership is based on cosmological position, not individual traits.
There is a codification of religion and ideological practices.
There are increasing trends toward urbanism, including the building of extensive apartment complexes.
The giant cities of the classic period are founded.
Rulership is based on cosmological position, not individual traits.
What were the 3 bands on Stelae and what did they represent?
Sky band: represents the arena of the Gods
Terrestrial Band: Represents the Earth and material world.
Watery Underworld: represents a nebulous place individuals go when they die.
There is usually a "World Tree" which unites the three bands.
Terrestrial Band: Represents the Earth and material world.
Watery Underworld: represents a nebulous place individuals go when they die.
There is usually a "World Tree" which unites the three bands.
What was on the La Mojarra Stela?
The first evidence of a Mayan script. It was a Mayan style of writing that was not quite Maya.
It appeared to be a fully developed style of writing. it suggests that writing was developed mainly on perishable media. It is very close to Maya writing but only lasts a short time.
It appeared to be a fully developed style of writing. it suggests that writing was developed mainly on perishable media. It is very close to Maya writing but only lasts a short time.
What were the models for the Origin of Mayan Civilization?
Interaction Sphere Model - trade for powerful items gains power between ethnic groups.
Resource deficiency Model - scarcity of resources gives select few the opportunity for wealth.
First Founders Hypothesis - first settlers were able to get the best land, and subsequent generations wer able to gift or lease prime land.
Resource deficiency Model - scarcity of resources gives select few the opportunity for wealth.
First Founders Hypothesis - first settlers were able to get the best land, and subsequent generations wer able to gift or lease prime land.
When was the Late Preclassic Period and what characterized it?
Late Preclassic 400BC-100 AD
Massive Pyramid building in lowlands
First lowland Maya dated Stela at Tikal
Transference of Olmec motifs and possibly modes of rulership to Maya region
Increasing social stratification with royal elites living in palaces while the majority of the population resides in perishable pole and thatch housing
Codification of religion and ideological practice Increasing trend toward urbanism, particularly for elites
Building of larger and more impressive monumental architecture
Founding of the great cities of the Classic Period Rulership based on cosmological position, not individual traits
Massive Pyramid building in lowlands
First lowland Maya dated Stela at Tikal
Transference of Olmec motifs and possibly modes of rulership to Maya region
Increasing social stratification with royal elites living in palaces while the majority of the population resides in perishable pole and thatch housing
Codification of religion and ideological practice Increasing trend toward urbanism, particularly for elites
Building of larger and more impressive monumental architecture
Founding of the great cities of the Classic Period Rulership based on cosmological position, not individual traits
What was the earliest site that exhibited social stratification in the Mayan culture?
La Blanca was the earliest site with a series of mounds of differentiated size. Social standing was denoted by artifact distributions between different mounds. Wealthy people had more belongings and more variety of belongings.
What was the first site with obvious outward displays of wealth?
Wealth and power were displayed in their full glory in San Lorenzo / Tenochtitlan. There were carved statues and heads of persons of high status, also status was denoted by building size. Elite had larger buildings and mounds.
What evidence do we have of Olmec-Maya contact?
There are Olmec and Maya hybrid artworks in many Maya areas. The Maya looked at the Olmec as a mother culture or sister culture (up for debate).
Many shared beliefs
Maya representation of Maize God is an Olmec Face
Trade of valuable stones and Jaguar Pelts, Quetzal Feathers, salt. Olmec had shell from Gulf Coast, as well as rubber and perishable goods as well as Olmec Ceramics
Many shared beliefs
Maya representation of Maize God is an Olmec Face
Trade of valuable stones and Jaguar Pelts, Quetzal Feathers, salt. Olmec had shell from Gulf Coast, as well as rubber and perishable goods as well as Olmec Ceramics
Flashcard set info:
Author: fooboozlie
Main topic: History
Topic: Mysteries of Ancient Maya
School / Univ.: UC Riverside
City: Riverside
Published: 15.08.2012
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