Lesson 5 Cradles of Early Science PDF

CRADLES OF EARLY SCIENCE Cradles of Early Science: Mesoamerica – Maya Civilization – Inca Civilization – Aztec Civilization  Mesoamerica Paul Kirchkoff first used the term Mesoamerica – (“meso” is Greek for “intermediate” or “middle”) “Middle America” Has five periods – Archai...

CRADLES OF EARLY SCIENCE Cradles of Early Science: Mesoamerica – Maya Civilization – Inca Civilization – Aztec Civilization  Mesoamerica Paul Kirchkoff first used the term Mesoamerica – (“meso” is Greek for “intermediate” or “middle”) “Middle America” Has five periods – Archaic, Pre-classic/Formative, Classic, Epiclassic and Postclassic from 3500-1519 CE. Composed of diverse civilizations which shared similar characteristics – Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, Teotihaucan, Mixtec, Inca and Mexica (Aztec) Includes the entire area of Central America from Southern Mexico up to the border of South America. Rich in culture and knowledge prior to the arrival of its European colonizers Maya civilization One of the famous civilizations that lasted for approximately 2000 years The Mayans are known for their works in astronomy Believed to be the first people to produce rubber products Encompassed Mexico in the 8th—9th century Had an understanding of the celestial bodies which was advanced for their time Developed the concept of zero (0) and the positional value Known for: -works in astronomy -two complicated calendar systems -one of the first civilizations to have a writing system known as the Mayan hieroglyphics  Maya civilization They use two calendars: – Solar calendar 365 days/18 months/20 days each with 5 extra days at the end – Lunar Calendar based on the movement of Venus/ Sacred Calendar/Ritual Calendar Mayan hieroglyphics – Mayan’s writing system that contains more than 800 characters Mayan Hieroglyphics Concept of Zero El Castillo at Chichen Itza Inca Civilization Flourished in ancient Peru between c. 1400 and 1533 CE Cuzco – capital city, meaning ‘dried-up lakebed’ (stone marker in the city) Largest empire in America and the world at their time Famed for their architecture and inventions: Road paved with stones Stone buildings Irrigation system Calendar with 12 months The first suspension bridge Quipo, a system of knotted ropes to keep records that only experts can interpret Inca textiles  Machu Picchu Inca Civilization Quipu system of knotted cords used by the Incas and its predecessor societies to store massive amounts of information important to their culture and civilization Calendar - to mark religious festival as well as the seasons so they could plant their crops at the correct time of the year The Inca calendar was made up of 12 months -each month had 3 weeks of 10 days each  Aztec civilization Emerged beginning in the 1200s Flourished in Central Mexico from 1345-1521 CE Dominated their neighbouring states Like the Maya they used a sacred calendar and a 365-day agricultural calendar The Aztec writing system was based on glyphs, symbols that stand for sound and words Called themselves the Mexica and been accomplished corn farmers and warrior of temple builders. Settled on an island called Lake Texcoco (1325) – “Tenochtitlan” – capital and largest city  Substantial contributions of Aztec Civilization to Science and technology and to the society Mandatory education Chocolates Antipasmodic medication Chinampa – form of Aztec technology for agricultural farming in which the land is divided into rectangular areas and surrounded by canals Aztec Calendar Invention of the canoe – a light narrow boat used for traveling in water systems End of Presentation References https://www.ancient- origins.net/mesoamerica?fbclid=IwAR2sAg5ghUWWpn93SCWvRo_dALnoe6Ga5cPp Y46YisY7wQbUDqJyuY4EG4A https://www.classzone.com/net_explorations/U4/U4_article1.cfm?fbclid=IwAR3N_ pY3kA8DMBA4tEY6QfTfKDuUA3zIq01UWOCSxGa8Cbcaia29l8zATkE https://www.ancient.eu/Inca_Civilization/?fbclid=IwAR0X8TTFS12F8GvSfDyaAq6_f bI-2rtTPq2cBSPgO-GPeunjYMfhmerFSAE