Mesoamerica and Maya Civilization Overview

Study Notes

The term Mesoamerica was coined by Paul Kirchkoff
It means “middle America”
Mesoamerica has five periods: Archaic, Pre-classic/Formative, Classic, Epiclassic, and Postclassic
It encompasses the entire area of Central America from Southern Mexico up to the border of South America
It was rich in culture and knowledge prior to the arrival of European colonizers

The Maya civilization lasted for approximately 2000 years
Known for their works in astronomy
Believed to be the first people to produce rubber products
Encompassed Mexico in the 8th—9th century
Had an understanding of the celestial bodies which was advanced for their time
Developed the concept of zero (0) and the positional value
They used two calendars:
- Solar calendar: 365 days/18 months/20 days each, with 5 extra days at the end
- Lunar calendar: Based on the movement of Venus, also known as the Sacred Calendar or Ritual Calendar
Known for:
- Their works in astronomy
- Two complicated calendar systems
- Their writing system, known as Mayan hieroglyphics, which contained more than 800 characters

Emerged beginning in the 1200s
Flourished in Central Mexico from 1345-1521 CE
Dominated their neighboring states
Like the Maya, they used a sacred calendar and a 365-day agricultural calendar
The Aztec writing system was based on glyphs, symbols that stand for sound and words
Settled on an island called Lake Texcoco (1325)
- Their capital and largest city was called “Tenochtitlan”
Substantial contributions to science, technology, and society:
- Mandatory education
- Chocolates
- Antipasmodic medication
- Chinampa, a form of Aztec technology for agricultural farming
- Aztec Calendar
- The invention of the canoe