Mesoamerican Civilizations: Teotihuacan, Monte Alban, and Mayan Culture
Term Formation (AD 1-300)
This period saw the development of complex forms, such as at Monte Alban. Economic complexity and political control were demonstrated through infrastructure and monumental construction, including pyramids.
Early Classic Period (AD 250-600)
Considered the golden age, this era witnessed the rise of Teotihuacan, which dominated central Mexico. True city-states emerged, including Tikal, El Tajin, Monte Alban, and Palenque.
Middle Classic Period (AD 600-700)
Marked by political stability, artistic mastery, and complex social structures, this period saw continued state growth.
Late Classic Period (AD 700-900)
Characterized by instability and warfare, many Mayan cities collapsed due to social unrest, environmental factors, and warfare.
Urbanization
Instead of small, scattered centers, large, dense centers with strongly centralized governments were constructed.
Pyramid of the Sun (AD 100)
It took approximately 6,000 workers, working 100 days a year for 10 years, to build. Timber use led to deforestation. An estimated 30 million basketloads of material were used in its construction.
Pyramid of the Moon
At least 37 sacrifices, mostly of foreigners, were found here. The pyramid’s alignment with the sun and its positioning within the city plan suggests a connection between the earthly realm and the cosmos in Teotihuacan belief.
Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent (AD 150-200)
Possibly a leader’s tomb, with military rituals to protect the ruler in the afterlife. This is hypothesized based on the sacrificial victims’ military gear and “guardian position.” Isotope analysis indicates most victims were residents of Teotihuacan.
Chinampa Agriculture
Raised agricultural fields built in shallow lake areas in central Mexico, particularly in early Teotihuacan. Dredging up soil from the lake created a very rich environment, generating a surplus crucial for supporting a growing population.
Obsidian
Used for both ritual and utility purposes, green obsidian was highly valued. Evidence of trade exists, requiring specialized skills and indicating social status significance.
Vara
A unit of measurement, approximately 32 inches, used for city planning.
Spindle Whorls and Weaving
Significant in the economy as a specialized craft product. The trade and selling of these goods were activities held mostly by women, giving them a place in economic production.
Stingray Spines
Sharp barbs located on the tail of stingrays that can inflict venomous wounds. Used for ritualistic purposes, possibly in bloodletting practices. The discovery of stingray spines buried with priests suggests they might have symbolized religious authority.
Maguey Thorns
Sharp, pointed structures at the tip and along the edges of maguey leaves. They were implemented for bloodletting in Mesoamerican cultures, including the Zapotecs of Monte Alban. Abundant in this region, their thorns were an easily accessible tool for bloodletting ceremonies.
Autosacrifice and Ritual Bloodletting
Voluntarily harming oneself as a religious offering. Ritual bloodletting is a form of this, in which one draws blood from themselves or others in a ceremonial context, usually for offerings or appeasement of deities. The Zapotecs of Monte Alban saw this as a way to ensure continued prosperity, good harvests, or victory in war.
Copan (AD 400-950)
One of the largest urban Mayan centers, with 16 successive rulers.
Mulch’en Witz, La Milpa, Belize
Located in northwestern Belize in the Rio Bravo Conservation Area. Occupied from the Late Preclassic period (400 BCE – 250 CE) to the Late Classic Period (600-800 CE). Translates to “Hill with Many Caves.” The topography consists of two natural knolls that have been modified. Features include eight plazuela groups, two temple groups, ten chultuns, associated platforms, and water features. Chultun is the Mayan word for cave.
Teotihuacan
Known as the “Place of the Gods” (AD 1-600), spanning from the Terminal Formative to the Early Classic period.
La Blanca (900-500 BCE)
Located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, a hot region with many resources but lacking forests. This creates some issues because there are no native plants to research, so understanding is more based on archaeological guesses. Plantain plants dominate the Pacific coast. GIS detects hotspots with multiple houses (neighborhoods), domestic debris, and religiously significant architecture.
Danzantes
Monuments at the Monte Alban site with over 300 danzante sculptures. Rituals were carried out here, and carved stones commemorate the sacrifice of enemies, likely captives depicted without clothes. This public display seemingly served to legitimate the authority of the city’s governors, emphasizing themes of sacrifice and the forging of a collective “us versus them” identity.
Iconography
The study and interpretation of visual images and symbols. An example is analyzing the Las Limas figurine (1000-600 BCE) in Veracruz, Mexico.
Epigraphy
The study and interpretation of ancient inscriptions. An example is the Codex Zouche-Nuttall in Mexico, a genealogical and historical script from the 14th century CE.
Ethnoarchaeology
A subfield that uses sociocultural and archaeological research methods to understand how archaeological sites are created by living people.