Archaeology Ch. 12: Mesoamerica and the Classic Maya

Study Notes

Olmec

Early complex societies in southern Gulf Coast of Mexico, contemporaneous with other Mesoamerican cultures.
Major centers include San Lorenzo and La Venta, where elite rulers controlled agriculture and trade.

San Lorenzo

First major Olmec center from 1200 to 900 BC, characterized by manmade plateaus and basalt sculptures.
Abandoned after 900 BC but experienced a minor resurgence from 600 to 400 BC.

La Venta

Significant Olmec site active from 900 to 600 BC, featuring clay platforms and monumental sculptures.
Possible pilgrimage center indicated by the presence of large clay pyramids and ritual artifacts.

Nekbe

Maya Lowlands center initiated in the Middle Preclassic period, notable for monumental architecture.
Included features like a ball court, plazas, and stelae with altars, indicating social complexity.

Stela

Carved standing stones that depict important Maya rulers, deities, and often incorporate Maya glyphic writing.

Kaminaljuyú

Maya highlands center that evolved into a politically complex society during the Middle Preclassic period.
Became one of the largest urban centers during the late Preclassic and Classic periods, although less politically significant than lowland sites.

Zapotec

Emerged around 20 BC in the Valley of Oaxaca as a state-level society, with Monte Albán as its capital.

San José Mogote

Political center in Oaxaca developing alongside the Olmec and early Maya.
Engaged in long-distance trade and featured public architecture such as stone terraces and specialized craft divisions.

Monte Albán

Main center of the Zapotec civilization in Oaxaca after 500 BC, characterized by ceremonial structures and a perimeter wall.
Became prominent around 30-20 BC, serving as a population and cultural hub.

Tlatilco

Early Formative site in the Basin of Mexico, revealing Olmec influence through pottery and evidence of social stratification in burials.

Cuicuilco

Ceremonial center from the Middle to Late Formative period, declined as Teotihuacán rose to prominence.
Eventually covered by lava from a volcanic eruption.

Teotihuacán

Major urban center in the Basin of Mexico post-150 BC with significant architectural features such as the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
At its peak, it had a wide-reaching interaction network, potentially influencing Tikal after AD 378.

El Mirador

Key Late Preclassic center in Maya lowlands with monumental structures, notably the massive El Tigre pyramid.
Experienced decline around AD 100 as Tikal gained prominence.

Tikal

Became important in the Late Preclassic period after AD 100, established a ruling dynasty associated with the "royal crown" motif.
Significant in shaping the political landscape of the Maya lowlands.

Description

This quiz focuses on key terms from Chapter 12 of Archaeology, specifically highlighting Mesoamerican cultures and the Classic Maya. Flashcards include important concepts such as the Olmec civilization and notable sites like San Lorenzo. Test your knowledge and understanding of the rich history and contributions of these ancient societies.