Questions and Answers
What is the Valley of Oaxaca known for?
By 500 BC in Oaxaca, which of the following developments occurred?
The Olmec are often considered the 'Mother Culture.'
True
What is San Lorenzo known for?
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What distinguishes La Venta from other sites?
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What is the significance of the Olmec calendar?
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Describe the numerical system used by the Olmec.
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What does the first writing from 650 BC represent?
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What was discovered at El Manatí?
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What significant imagery is found in Chalcatzingo?
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Study Notes
The Valley of Oaxaca
- Homeland of the Zapotec civilization and Monte Albán archaeological site.
- Located in the southern highlands with a warm, temperate, semiarid climate.
- Comprises three valleys: Etla, Tlacolula, and Zaachila.
By 500 BC in Oaxaca
- Development of farming and pottery-making communities, marking the emergence of ceramics.
- Evidence of a 260-day calendar and practices like human sacrifice.
- Introduction of monumental architecture and signs of social stratification.
- Beginning of warfare driven by intense competition among communities.
The Olmec
- Regarded as the "Mother Culture" of Mesoamerica, referred to as the "Rubber People."
- Unique artistic style characterized by distinct art and iconography.
- Renowned for stone carving, particularly unmatched work with jade and basalt.
San Lorenzo
- Located 100 km southwest of La Venta, near the Coatzacualcos River, flourishing from 1450-400 BC, particularly 1150-900 BC.
- Initially developed during "pre-Olmec" phases: Ojochí, Bajío, and Cicharras.
- Quarrying of basalt started around 1250 BC at Cerro Cintepec.
- Positioned on a plateau with structures made of earth and colored clay due to lack of local stone.
- Engaged in trade with regions such as central Mexico, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, seeking various valuable minerals.
- Nacaste Phase (900-700 BC) marks decline, with destruction of monuments and shift to non-Olmec ceramics.
- The Palangana Phase (600-400 BC) involved contact with the Maya, noted for ball courts.
La Venta
- Reached its peak between 800-500 BC, situated on river levees of the Rio Bari.
- Characterized by a stratified society with a prominent ceremonial core.
- Maize cultivation was established, with high-status families consuming varied meats.
- Notable structures include Complexes C and A, featuring monumental earthworks and numerous offerings.
Olmec Calendar
- Tres Zapotes, located 160 km NW, features Stela C with a possible Long Count date inscription.
Numerical System
- Based on the vigesimal system (base 20) and uses positional notation.
- Represents numbers 0 through 19, with the concept of zero being crucial.
- Zero indicated by a shell symbol; levels include 1, 20, and 400 for numeric representation.
The First Writing (650 BC)
- Found at San Andres, Tabasco, near La Venta; consists of a ceramic cylinder with rocker stamps.
- Contains inscriptions for "ajaw" (king) and a date referred to as "three ajaw" in the sacred calendar.
El Manatí (1600-1200 BC)
- A waterlogged archaeological site with complex stratigraphy.
- Contained wooden figures and offerings, including seven latex rubber balls without evidence of ball courts.
Chalcatzingo, Morelos
- Rich in iconography; features Olmec-style depictions, including a goddess linked to wind and rain.
- Shows multiple deities such as Rain God, Creator as Fire God, Sun God, Moon Goddess, and Quetzalcoatl, who was banished for incestuous relations.
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Description
Explore the rich history of the Valley of Oaxaca, home to the Zapotec civilization and the archaeological wonders of Monte Albán. Delve into the Olmec culture, known as the 'Mother Culture' of Mesoamerica, and understand their artistic contributions and societal structures. This quiz will test your knowledge on key developments from farming to monumental architecture in ancient Mesoamerica.
