The Americas: Cultural Diversity and History

• The Americas encompass North and South America, featuring diverse ecosystems from Arctic tundra to Amazon rainforests.
• Studying the Americas is crucial to understanding interconnected histories, economies, and cultures.

Cultural Diversity

• The Americas were home to Indigenous civilizations, including the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas.
• Modern nations in the Americas reflect influences from European, African, and Asian migrations.

Historical Significance

• The Americas are the birthplace of great civilizations.
• The region was the site of key events such as European colonization, revolutions, and modern globalization.

Introduction to the Maya

• The Maya civilization thrived in Mesoamerica from about 2000 B.C.E. to 1500 C.E.
• The Maya developed advanced cities, writing, and complex social structures.

Mesoamerica and Geography

• Mesoamerica spans from modern Mexico through Central America.
• The Maya inhabited diverse landscapes, including mountains, rainforests, and lowlands.
• The Petén region of Guatemala was home to major Maya cities.

Olmec Influence on the Maya

• The Olmecs (1200-500 B.C.E.) were a foundational Mesoamerican civilization.
• The Olmecs developed ceremonial centers, trade networks, and a solar calendar.
• The Maya adopted Olmec ideas, including writing and religious practices.

Three Periods of Maya Civilization

• Pre-Classic (2000 B.C.E. - 200 C.E.) saw the rise of farming villages, early cities, and the development of writing.
• Classic (200-900 C.E.) marked the peak of Maya civilization, with city-states flourishing and great temples being built.
• Post-Classic (900-1500 C.E.) was characterized by the decline of southern cities, while northern cities continued.

Achievements of the Maya

• The Maya developed a hieroglyphic writing system.
• They created accurate solar and ritual calendars.
• The Maya used a base-20 mathematical system and the concept of zero.
• They constructed pyramids and observatories without metal tools or wheels.

The Mysterious Decline

• Around 900 C.E., many Maya cities in the southern lowlands were abandoned.
• Theories for this decline include environmental problems, warfare, and overpopulation.
• Northern cities like Chichén Itzá continued to thrive.

Teotihuacán: The City of the Gods

• Teotihuacán was a large city featuring plazas, pyramids, and avenues.
• The Pyramid of the Moon and Pyramid of the Sun were key structures.
• Teotihuacán was constructed with volcanic rock and limestone.
• Teotihuacán flourished from 100 to 650 CE before collapsing.

The Valley of Mexico Before the Aztecs

• The Valley of Mexico was a cultural center for over 1,000 years.
• The Teotihuacáns dominated the region first.
• The Toltecs followed, reaching their height in the 10th-11th centuries.
• Toltec cities, such as Tollán, featured large pyramids and temples.

Markets and Daily Life in Tenochtitlán

• Tlatelolco marketplace attracted 60,000 people daily.
• Goods included food, luxury items, gold, silver, feathers, and slaves.
• The city was well-maintained with streets cleaned daily.
• Travel was facilitated via causeways, canals, and wide avenues.

From Mercenaries to Empire Builders

• The Aztecs served as mercenaries for the Tepanecs early on.
• They rebelled against Tepanec rule in 1428.
• The Aztecs formed the Triple Alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan.
• They began conquests that led to the formation of the Aztec Empire.

Aztec Class Structure Overview

• Aztec society had five main classes: Ruler, Nobles, Commoners, Peasants, and Slaves.
• Social status was not always fixed; people could move up or down.
• Responsibilities and privileges varied by class.

The Ruler (Tlatoani)

• The Ruler was considered semidivine.
• They were chosen by a council from the emperor’s family (not hereditary).
• They were responsible for maintaining the empire and leading wars.

Commoners (Merchants, Artisans, Farmers, and Laborers)

• Pochteca (merchants) traded goods, spied for the emperor, and paid taxes.
• Artisans created pottery, jewelry, and artwork.
• Farmers/Laborers worked land but didn’t own it.

Marriage in Aztec Society

• Marriage was arranged by families with the help of a matchmaker.
• The wedding ceremony included tying the groom’s cloak to the bride’s blouse.
• Polygamy was allowed, but only one wife was primary.
• Divorce was allowed for serious reasons (neglect, abuse, infidelity).

Vocabulary

• Mesoamerica: The region extending from modern Mexico through central America.
• Ceremonial Center: A large plaza in a city center for religious rituals and public ceremonies.
• Semidivine: Half human and half god, as Aztec rulers were considered.
• Hereditary: Passed on from parent to child.
• Ward: A political unit within a city, often a neighborhood.
• Polygamy: Having more than one spouse at a time