Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the Postclassic Era?
What is the Postclassic Era?
AD 600-1000
What political feature specifically declined and fell apart during the Postclassic period? __________ _______________.
What political feature specifically declined and fell apart during the Postclassic period? __________ _______________.
Divine Kingship
What other changes accompanied the Postclassic period?
What other changes accompanied the Postclassic period?
Cessation of stone monuments, many southern lowlands sites abandoned, lots of Maya East Edge of Yucatán, Northern Lowlands, 2nd tier sub-lords feud with lords, Mul Tepal (joint rule) by sub-lords.
What are the new sites in the Southern Lowlands?
What are the new sites in the Southern Lowlands?
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What economic practice helped Lamanai remain a powerful political force up until Spanish conquest?
What economic practice helped Lamanai remain a powerful political force up until Spanish conquest?
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Under what kind of administrative system was Chichen Itza ruled during the Postclassic? (Know the Maya name as well)
Under what kind of administrative system was Chichen Itza ruled during the Postclassic? (Know the Maya name as well)
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Why was access to the coast important to Chichen Itza?
Why was access to the coast important to Chichen Itza?
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Though slightly smaller than Chichen Itza, Mayapan administered a state that unified the entire ____________________ (geographic area).
Though slightly smaller than Chichen Itza, Mayapan administered a state that unified the entire ____________________ (geographic area).
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When was Mayapán organized under joint rule? __________ - __________
When was Mayapán organized under joint rule? __________ - __________
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When did Mayapán joint rule collapse? __________ - __________
When did Mayapán joint rule collapse? __________ - __________
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What did the Maya area look like when the Spaniards arrived? Consisted of this many (the number) _____ independent provinces called ___________________.
What did the Maya area look like when the Spaniards arrived? Consisted of this many (the number) _____ independent provinces called ___________________.
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What was the end date of Tikal kingship?
What was the end date of Tikal kingship?
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Study Notes
Postclassic Era Overview
- The Postclassic Era spanned from AD 600 to 1000.
- Characterized by a decline in divine kingship, a major political feature that shattered during this period.
Cultural and Political Changes
- Cessation of stone monument construction marks a significant cultural shift.
- Many sites in the southern lowlands were abandoned, while regions such as Maya East Edge of Yucatán and Northern Lowlands gained prominence.
- Emergence of conflicts among 2nd tier sub-lords, along with a trend towards Mul Tepal, or joint rule by sub-lords.
Key Urban Centers
- New sites developed in the Southern Lowlands, notably Seibal and Lamanai.
- Lamanai sustained its political strength through extensive coastal trade, emphasizing the importance of investment in trade routes.
Administrative Structures
- Chichen Itza operated under a Mul Tepal system, involving the rule of three lords.
- Access to coastal areas was critical for Chichen Itza due to its involvement in the salt maritime trade.
Mayapán's Influence
- Although smaller than Chichen Itza, Mayapán governed the entirety of the Northern Lowlands.
- Mayapán was organized under joint rule from 1250 to 1440, during which it unified multiple territories.
- The joint rule in Mayapán collapsed between 1400 and 1440.
Political Landscape at Spanish Arrival
- At the time of Spanish contact, the Maya territory comprised 16 independent provinces referred to as polities.
- The end of kingship at Tikal occurred in 870, signaling further shifts in political organization.
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Test your knowledge on the Postclassic Era of the Maya civilization with these flashcards. Explore key concepts, definitions, and changes that occurred between AD 600-1000. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of Maya history.
