Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was a significant factor in Pakal the Great's ascension to the throne?
What was a significant factor in Pakal the Great's ascension to the throne?
What architectural achievement is associated with Pakal the Great?
What architectural achievement is associated with Pakal the Great?
How did Pakal attempt to legitimize his claim to kingship?
How did Pakal attempt to legitimize his claim to kingship?
What was the significance of jade in Pakal's burial?
What was the significance of jade in Pakal's burial?
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What imagery was used to depict the human figures carved around Pakal’s sarcophagus?
What imagery was used to depict the human figures carved around Pakal’s sarcophagus?
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What event marked Pakal's journey into the afterlife?
What event marked Pakal's journey into the afterlife?
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What role did Lady Sak K’uk play in Pakal’s life?
What role did Lady Sak K’uk play in Pakal’s life?
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What role did vaccinations play during the COVID-19 pandemic?
What role did vaccinations play during the COVID-19 pandemic?
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What was a major reason for the vulnerability of Native Americans to Old World diseases?
What was a major reason for the vulnerability of Native Americans to Old World diseases?
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What was the impact of the European diseases on the Jemez Province native population?
What was the impact of the European diseases on the Jemez Province native population?
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What percentage of the Aztec population was lost due to cocoliztli and other diseases by the early 1600s?
What percentage of the Aztec population was lost due to cocoliztli and other diseases by the early 1600s?
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Which of the following statements about the effects of pathogens on populations is accurate?
Which of the following statements about the effects of pathogens on populations is accurate?
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What was cocoliztli primarily associated with among the Aztecs?
What was cocoliztli primarily associated with among the Aztecs?
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How did the death toll caused by diseases compare to that caused by military conflicts for Native Americans?
How did the death toll caused by diseases compare to that caused by military conflicts for Native Americans?
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What was a consequence of the introduction of European diseases to the New World?
What was a consequence of the introduction of European diseases to the New World?
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Study Notes
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact
- Over 700 million people infected and over 7 million deaths globally (as of January 2024)
- Vaccines significantly lessened the pandemic's impact
- Diseases have historically devastated populations
Historical Disease Devastation
- Native populations in the New World were vulnerable to diseases brought by European explorers/settlers (lack of immunity)
- Diseases caused far more deaths than conquest
- Pathogens far more effective killers than human forces (pre-nuclear age)
- Example of Jemez Province decline: population fell from ~6,500 to 833 after Spanish missionaries brought diseases causing 87% drop (1620)
- Aztec population declined dramatically due to cocoliztli and other diseases from ~25 million to ~1 million (95% drop)
- Salmonella enterica identified as a possible contributor to cocoliztli epidemic through DNA recovery from skeletons
- Study sample small, unable to identify all pathogens.
Pakal the Great: Mayan Ruler
- Pakal, king of Palenque (Maya state in Chiapas, Mexico), ascended the throne at age 12 in 615 C.E.
- Mother, Lady Sak K'uk, powerful figure during early reign
- Reign lasted 67 years (until 683)
- Initiated extensive construction projects
- Temple of the Inscriptions: built as Pakal's burial place and to legitimize his kingship, emphasize his mother's role in his ascension, and claim legitimacy for his descendants
- King list inscribed in the temple; elevates mother to near goddess status
- Maya burial practices involved transporting the body up a pyramid stair, into the temple at its apex, then the pyramids interior (through an internal stair) to the burial chamber
- Pakal buried in a limestone sarcophagus
- Sarcophagus depicts figures, including Pakal's mother, Lady Sak K'uk, and prior rulers of Palenque
- Obsidian, jade, and shell mask placed on his face; precious stones around his body
- The tomb discovered in 1952, enabling its description today
- Pakal's tomb exemplifies complex societies of the New World (like those of ancient Egypt and China).
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Description
Explore the profound effects of pandemics from COVID-19 to historical diseases that devastated populations. This quiz covers the spread of diseases, the impact on Native populations during European exploration, and notable historical figures like Pakal the Great. Test your knowledge on how pathogens have shaped human history.
