Pre-Classic Maya Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a primary center in the Maya Highlands in the Middle Pre-Classic?

Uaxactun

Copan

Tikal

Kaminalju (correct)

What do we see in regards to burial patterns?

Elite burials with offerings buried with the body, showing class stratification.

When are the Maya Lowlands inhabited, and why does it take so long?

Last area to be occupied due to the harsh jungle.

What is significant about Cunil ceramics?

They have a dull, red-black design and are similar to Olmec ceramics but distinctive. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the hard nucleus does the site at Cuello, Belize embody?

Four corners and the center with four homes surrounding a centered patio. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable material used for building foundations at Cuello?

Plaster. Signup and view all the answers

How many people could Cuello accommodate?

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What are the two primary sites in El Mirador Basin?

El Mirador and Nakbe. Signup and view all the answers

What are bajos?

Lowland seasonal swamps that fill with water during the rainy season. Signup and view all the answers

How did the bajos change over time?

They became perennial wetlands and housed specific flora. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable building type in Nakbe?

E-groups. Signup and view all the answers

What are E-groups?

Structures with a large pyramid facing a long built structure, aligning with celestial events. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Cival cache?

Water jugs and jade offerings buried in a cross pattern. Signup and view all the answers

What is Structure A-20 and Plaza at Ceibal?

An early E-group dating to 1000 BC. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Ajaw structure at Ceibal?

An early example of Maya expanding and building upon previous structures. Signup and view all the answers

What is Structure 24 and the Sulul platform at Ceibal?

Base foundations supporting residential structures. Signup and view all the answers

Where do these events fall in the grand timeline?

Between the time of San Lorenzo and La Venta; a 'gap period' in which the Maya grow. Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about KJ in the highlands in the Late Pre-Classic?

It reaches its full extent. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason KJ is so powerful?

Control of the El Chayal obsidian source. Signup and view all the answers

By which natural body was KJ situated?

Lake Miraflores. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to KJ when the lake disappeared?

It declined around AD 100. Signup and view all the answers

What do we regularly see depicted in monumental art at KJ?

Principal Bird Deity associated with early rulership. Signup and view all the answers

What other signs of early rulership are there at KJ?

Mound E-III-3. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mound E-III-3?

A massive royal tomb with a central figure of a king surrounded by skeletons and obsidian blades. Signup and view all the answers

What is associated with the Chicanel Phase in the Maya Lowlands?

Waxy, monochrome ceramics; no difference between households. Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the size of structures in the Maya Lowlands during the Late Pre-Classic?

They are massive, with examples like Mundo Perdido and Lamanai. Signup and view all the answers

What is Tikal's Mundo Perdido?

An observation pyramid with a 60x60 meter base. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of El Mirador in the Late Pre-Classic?

Ancient Aztec roads built to cross the wetlands; it was a major city. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Maya Highlands and Pre-Classic Centers

Kaminalju (KJ) was a primary center in the Maya Highlands during the Middle Pre-Classic period (1500 BC - 1200 AD).
Most of Kaminalju's site is now covered by a modern Guatemalan city.

Burial Practices and Class Stratification

Elite burials with offerings were prevalent around 800 BC, indicating emerging class stratification in Maya society.

Maya Lowlands Inhabitation

The Maya Lowlands were the last area to become inhabited due to harsh jungle conditions, despite offering diverse resources.

Cunil Ceramics

Cunil ceramics featured a dull, red-black design, distinct yet similar to the Olmec, suggesting a complex economy and class inequality.

Cuello, Belize Site Layout

Cuello exemplifies early Maya planning with a layout of four homes around a central patio, reflecting the hard nucleus concept.

Building Materials

Plaster was a commonly used material for constructing foundations in Cuello.

Population Capacity of Cuello

Cuello could accommodate around 500 individuals.

Key Sites in El Mirador Basin

El Mirador and Nakbe are the two primary archaeological sites in the El Mirador Basin.

Definition of bajos

"Bajos" are seasonal lowland swamps that fill with water during rainy seasons.

Changes in bajos Over Time

Initially, bajos were perennial wetlands conducive to water-loving plant life like lilies and cat-tail reeds.

E-Groups in Nakbe

Notable structures called E-groups feature a large pyramid aligned with a long built structure for solar observation during events like solstices and equinoxes.

Cival Cache

Significant offerings found buried in a four-cornered pattern, including water jugs and jade, symbolizing a connection to maize and worldmaking.

Structure A-20 and Plaza at Ceibal

An early E-group from 1000 BC featuring a small jade "cornfield" was discovered here.

Ajaw Structure at Ceibal

A representation of the Maya's architectural evolution, showcasing expansion upon previous designs.

Structure 24 and Sulul Platform at Ceibal

Sulul platforms served as foundational bases for residential structures at Ceibal.

Grand Timeline Context

Events occurred between the dominance of San Lorenzo and La Venta, marking a developmental "gap period" for the Maya.

Late Pre-Classic Significance of KJ

Kaminalju reached its apex during the Late Pre-Classic, signifying its power and importance.

El Chayal Obsidian Source

KJ's control over the vital El Chayal obsidian source contributed significantly to its power.

Geographic Features

Kaminalju was located near Lake Miraflores.

Decline of KJ

The disappearance of Lake Miraflores around AD 100 led to KJ's decline.

Monumental Art at KJ

Monumental art at Kaminalju frequently depicted the Principal Bird Deity, symbolizing early rulership.

Evidence of Early Rulership

Mound E-III-3 is a key site indicating early social hierarchy and rulership at KJ.

Mound E-III-3 Details

This massive royal tomb featured a central king figure surrounded by skeletons and obsidian blades, indicating practices of human sacrifice.

Chicanel Phase Characteristics

The Chicanel Phase in the Maya Lowlands is characterized by waxy, monochrome ceramics with no class distinction among households.

Structure Size in Late Pre-Classic

Structures in the Maya Lowlands, such as Mundo Perdido and Lamanai, were notably massive during this period.

Tikal's Mundo Perdido

Mundo Perdido at Tikal featured a significant observation pyramid with a base of 60x60 meters.

El Mirador's Unique Features

El Mirador was known for ancient Aztec roads that traversed its wetlands, confirming its status as a major city in the Late Pre-Classic.

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Description

Explore key concepts of the Pre-Classic Maya period through these flashcards. Learn about significant centers, burial patterns, and the societal structures of the Maya Highlands from 1500 BC to 1200 AD. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of Mesoamerican history.