Archaeology Ch. 12: Mesoamerica and the Classic Maya

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.