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Questions and Answers
What does the term 'Olmec' refer to?
What does the term 'Olmec' refer to?
When was the Pre-Classic phase of the Maya civilization recognized as beginning?
When was the Pre-Classic phase of the Maya civilization recognized as beginning?
Which civilization reached its peak between 150-350 AD?
Which civilization reached its peak between 150-350 AD?
What was the main achievement of the Toltecs?
What was the main achievement of the Toltecs?
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Which region did the Olmec civilization primarily influence?
Which region did the Olmec civilization primarily influence?
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Which of these phases is NOT part of the Maya civilization's development?
Which of these phases is NOT part of the Maya civilization's development?
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From which people did the Toltecs originate?
From which people did the Toltecs originate?
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What significant period of development follows the Classic phase in Maya civilization history?
What significant period of development follows the Classic phase in Maya civilization history?
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What event happened around 1170 that affected Tula?
What event happened around 1170 that affected Tula?
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Which civilization was responsible for founding Tenochtitlan and Tlatelolco?
Which civilization was responsible for founding Tenochtitlan and Tlatelolco?
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What does the name 'Aztlán' refer to in relation to the Aztecs?
What does the name 'Aztlán' refer to in relation to the Aztecs?
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What was the primary focus of worship among most ancient Mesoamerican gods?
What was the primary focus of worship among most ancient Mesoamerican gods?
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Which important god among the ancient Mesoamericans was known as 'Quetzalcoatl'?
Which important god among the ancient Mesoamericans was known as 'Quetzalcoatl'?
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What agricultural challenge did the ancient people face regarding maize cultivation?
What agricultural challenge did the ancient people face regarding maize cultivation?
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What practice is attributed to the Toltecs as part of their religious beliefs?
What practice is attributed to the Toltecs as part of their religious beliefs?
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What was a significant consequence of Tula's overthrow and invasions?
What was a significant consequence of Tula's overthrow and invasions?
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What does a Chac-Mool depict?
What does a Chac-Mool depict?
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What animal is associated with Kukulcán in Mesoamerican culture?
What animal is associated with Kukulcán in Mesoamerican culture?
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What function did the bowl on a Chac-Mool's chest likely serve?
What function did the bowl on a Chac-Mool's chest likely serve?
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Approximately when was the Temple of Kukulcán built?
Approximately when was the Temple of Kukulcán built?
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What is the height of the Temple of Kukulcán not including the temple at the top?
What is the height of the Temple of Kukulcán not including the temple at the top?
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What shape is the base of the Temple of Kukulcán?
What shape is the base of the Temple of Kukulcán?
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Which culture is closely related to the deity Kukulcán?
Which culture is closely related to the deity Kukulcán?
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What is the total height of the Temple of Kukulcán including the temple at the top?
What is the total height of the Temple of Kukulcán including the temple at the top?
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What was the relationship between religion and state governance under the Incas?
What was the relationship between religion and state governance under the Incas?
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Which statement about the governance structure of the Inca Empire is accurate?
Which statement about the governance structure of the Inca Empire is accurate?
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What type of building material was primarily used in the coastal region of Peru during the Inca period?
What type of building material was primarily used in the coastal region of Peru during the Inca period?
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What characterized the architectural style of the Temples of Moche?
What characterized the architectural style of the Temples of Moche?
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Which of the following was NOT a shape used for adobe bricks during different periods?
Which of the following was NOT a shape used for adobe bricks during different periods?
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What architectural feature connects the central mass of the Palace of the Governors to the smaller blocks?
What architectural feature connects the central mass of the Palace of the Governors to the smaller blocks?
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Which aspect of the upper band of the Palace of the Governors is highlighted?
Which aspect of the upper band of the Palace of the Governors is highlighted?
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How many chambers does the Palace of the Governors contain?
How many chambers does the Palace of the Governors contain?
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What was Tenochtitlan the capital of during the 15th century?
What was Tenochtitlan the capital of during the 15th century?
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At what elevation was Tenochtitlan located?
At what elevation was Tenochtitlan located?
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What geographical features surrounded Tenochtitlan?
What geographical features surrounded Tenochtitlan?
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What does the plaza of Tenochtitlan likely contain?
What does the plaza of Tenochtitlan likely contain?
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What event marked the end of Tenochtitlan as the capital of the Aztec Empire?
What event marked the end of Tenochtitlan as the capital of the Aztec Empire?
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What is the estimated height of the Gate of the Sun?
What is the estimated height of the Gate of the Sun?
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During what time period did the Tiwanaku culture thrive around Lake Titicaca?
During what time period did the Tiwanaku culture thrive around Lake Titicaca?
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Which of the following structures is NOT one of the primary structures of Machu Picchu?
Which of the following structures is NOT one of the primary structures of Machu Picchu?
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What significant architectural style is Machu Picchu built in?
What significant architectural style is Machu Picchu built in?
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Approximately how much does the Gate of the Sun weigh?
Approximately how much does the Gate of the Sun weigh?
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What is the elevation of Machu Picchu on its mountain ridge?
What is the elevation of Machu Picchu on its mountain ridge?
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Where is Sacsayhuamán located?
Where is Sacsayhuamán located?
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What was the primary purpose of the carvings on the Gate of the Sun?
What was the primary purpose of the carvings on the Gate of the Sun?
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Study Notes
Pre-Columbian America
- This region was populated by various groups for millennia
- Olmec, Zapotec, Maya, Toltec, and Aztec peoples lived here
- Important areas included Central Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico Coast, Oaxaca, the Yucatán Peninsula, Southern Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala
- Geographical and climatic regions show contrasts in conditions
- Dry high plains vs tropical rain forests
Influences: Middle America
- Geographical & Climatic: Central Mexico, Gulf of Mexico Coast, Oaxaca, Yucatán Peninsula, Southern Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala.
- Climates varied dramatically, ranging from dry high plains to tropical rain forests.
Influences: Geological
- Northern Yucatan had excellent limestone
- Mexico had volcanic rock (e.g., tezontle), ranging in color from black to crimson
- Aztec builders favored tezontle
- Adobe brick made from sundried clay was widely used
- Southeast forests provided hardwoods
Influences: Historical, Social & Religious
- Olmec: Earliest civilization, arose on the Gulf Coast in the first millennium BC
- Significant influence extended to Guatemala and Oaxaca
- The Olmec were the first society to have a prominent rubber producing area
- Maya: Developed from the Olmec influence
- Maya culture lasted from 600 BC to 1525 AD and divided into periods: Pre-Classic, Classic, and Post-Classic.
- Toltec: Migrated from north-west deserts to Culhuacan in the Valley of Mexico in the 9th century AD
- Teotihuacan: Important civilization in the Mexican plateau (150-350 AD)
- Aztec: Derived from Aztlán. The Aztec people arrived in the 14th century, and settled in Tenochtitlan, the twin capital of Tlatelolco, in present-day Mexico City.
- Religion: Important gods included Quetzalcoatl ("Feathered Serpent")—a significant god for Mesoamerican people. The Toltecs, and probably the early Mesoamericans, worshipped natural phenomena(the sun, the moon, the rain, and corn).
Influences: Historical, Social & Religious
- Maize cultivation: Was a staple food
- Cultivation required labor-intensive agriculture
Aztec Class Society
- Society was organized in a hierarchical structure, with a powerful ruling priesthood and a wide peasant or slave class
- Included: Priests, warriors, merchants, craftsmen, farmers (and slaves), and commoners.
- Rulers were selected from the royalty by a council consisting of priests and warriors
Influences: Architecture
- Temple Pyramid: The most important architectural structure in the region.
- Temple of the Sun: Named by the Aztecs, located in Teotihuacan. Constructed in approximately the 200 AD
- Temple of the Feathered Serpent: Located in Teotihuacan's Ciudadela complex; six-level step-pyramid built in the talud-tablero style.
- Truncated Pyramid: Conical structures with an uneven truncated top, derived from Mesoamerican and Egyptian precedents
- Palace of the Governors: One-story structure in Chichen Itza with twenty chambers covered by corbelled vaults. Decorations were intricately patterned in the style of woven designs.
Tikal Temple I
- Located in the Petén Basin of northern Guatemala. Designated Tikal Temple I, it was a major structure with nine levels to symbolize the underworld and 55 meters high
- Known as the Temple of the Great Jaguar because of a lintel and also named as Temple of Ah Cacao, after the ruler
- Built from approximately 8th to 12th centuries AD
Temple of the Warriors
- Impressive 40-feet high structure at Chichen Itza.
- Shows detailed bas-reliefs depicting warriors, eagles, and jaguars
- Has four platforms and columns, and encased a former structure known as The Temple of the Chac Mool
Temple of the Chac Mool
- A sculpture of a reclining figure with its head angled away from the front, resting on its elbows, with a bowl or a disk on its torso
- May have symbolized slain warriors
- Bowls on the figures' chests were used for sacrificial offerings.
Temple of Kukulcán
- Mesoamerican step-pyramid in Chichen Itza (Yucatán).
- The structure has 24 meters height; it served as a temple dedicated to Kukulcán, a deity closely related to Quetzalcoatl
Palace of the Governors
- One-story structure located in Chichén Itza; 8.5 meter high facade, divided into two horizontal bands and decorated with intricate patterns
Tenochtitlan
- Historic center of Mexico city.
- Aztec capital.
- Located at 8,000 feet above sea level, on a flat expanse between two mountain valleys
Inca Civilization (Peru)
- Geographical & Climatic: Andes Mountains; narrow coastal plains; steep valleys; fertile pockets
- Developed highly advanced civilizations even before the first century B.C.
- Historical, Social & Religious: Political and religious power concentrated on the Inca and other nobles
- Influence of Tiahuanaco in religious matters
- The Inca conquered numerous tribes and extended their empire during the 15th century. Their empire stretched from Northern Columbia to the South of Chili.
SACSAYHUAMÁN
- Inca citadel located on the outskirts of Cusco, Peru.
- Constructed in the 15th Century by Pachacuti and successors.
- Known for massive dry-stone walls; stones carefully fit together without mortar.
Machu Picchu
- 15th-century Inca citadel in the Andes Mountains of southern Peru
- Located on a 2,430-meter mountain ridge.
- Popularly known as the "Lost City of the Incas."
- Classical Inca style with polished dry-stone walls.
- Important structures include the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows
Architectural Materials of Peru
- Adobe brick: Basic building material in coastal regions.
- Black andesite, Yucay limestone, and diorite porphyry: Stone frequently used for building construction in highlands.
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Description
Explore the diverse groups that populated Pre-Columbian America, including the Olmec, Maya, Toltec, and Aztec civilizations. Understand the geographical, climatic, geological, and historical influences that shaped this region. Dive into the contrasts in climate and the materials used by these ancient cultures in their architecture and daily life.
