Mesoamerica was home to several early civilizations including the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Toltec, Maya, and Aztec. The Olmec, the first Mesoamerican civilization, emerged around 1250 BCE in southern Mexico and influenced later cultures with their colossal stone heads, pyramids, and writing system. Around 100-700 CE, Teotihuacan rose as a major city with over 200,000 inhabitants and featured the massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. These early civilizations built impressive cities, pyramids, and temples and developed complex societies, calendars, and writing.

1. Early Civilizations of TheEarly Civilizations of The
MesoamericaMesoamerica
Human Settlement in the AmericasHuman Settlement in the Americas

2. The Civilizations of MesoamericaThe Civilizations of Mesoamerica
While classical
civilizations were
developing in the
Mediterranean & Asia…
…advanced societies
were developing in
isolation in the Americas

4. Pacific Ocean
(Sea West)
The name "Mesoamerica" is a term used to identify
the heartland of a number of significant pre-
Columbian cultures. The area of Mesoamerica
encompasses many of the states of southern Mexico,
and most of the countries of Central America,
including Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador,
Honduras, Nicaragua, and part of Costa Rica. It is
bounded on the north by the Gulf of Mexico, on the
east by the Caribbean Sea, and on the south and west
by the Pacific Ocean.
Gulf of Mexico
(Sea East)

5. MesoamericaMesoamerica
 Mesoamerica (better acquaintance as CentralMesoamerica (better acquaintance as Central
America) it is one of the two areas of America (theAmerica) it is one of the two areas of America (the
other one is the central part of the Andes) that hadother one is the central part of the Andes) that had
urban civilizations, or "superior cultures" in the timeurban civilizations, or "superior cultures" in the time
of the Spanish conquest, in 1519.of the Spanish conquest, in 1519.
 This demonstrates the fact that the Meso-AmericanThis demonstrates the fact that the Meso-American
ones built pyramids and spectacular temples, they hadones built pyramids and spectacular temples, they had
big markets, a sacred calendar, a hieroglyphicbig markets, a sacred calendar, a hieroglyphic
writing, a group of gods, they practiced the ball gamewriting, a group of gods, they practiced the ball game
and they carried out human sacrifices.and they carried out human sacrifices.

6. MesoamericaMesoamerica
Yucatan
Peninsula
Gulf Of
Mexico
X
Mexico
City
Honduras
Belize
Guatemala

7. Early Civilizations of TheEarly Civilizations of The
MesoamericaMesoamerica
 OlmecOlmec
 TeotihuacanTeotihuacan
 ToltecToltec
 MayaMaya
 AztecAztec

8. Mesoamericans CivilizationsMesoamericans Civilizations

10. The Last Ice AgeThe Last Ice Age::
1. Between1. Between 20,00020,000 andand 40,00040,000 years ago during the last Ice Age,years ago during the last Ice Age, glaciersglaciers covered a large part ofcovered a large part of
the Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, and Northern Asia).the Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, and Northern Asia).
2. Water level in oceans2. Water level in oceans decreaseddecreased due to increase in size of glaciers.due to increase in size of glaciers.
3. Land was exposed in3. Land was exposed in Bering StraitBering Strait between Asia and North America.between Asia and North America.
4. Land bridge is known as4. Land bridge is known as BeringiaBeringia. About 750 miles wide.. About 750 miles wide.
ICE AGE: Period of time when glaciers covered many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
GLACIERS: A huge sheet of ice.

11. TitleTitle
 TextText
During the Ice Age,
prehistoric nomads migrated
across the land bridge
between Asia & America
During the Neolithic
Revolution, these
nomads settled into
farming villages;
Some of which
became advanced
civilizations

12. Early American MigrationEarly American Migration::
1. Herds of animals migrated over land bridge.1. Herds of animals migrated over land bridge.
2. Groups of2. Groups of human nomadshuman nomads followed herds.followed herds.
3. Over thousands of years, early Americans migrated to all parts of the America’s.3. Over thousands of years, early Americans migrated to all parts of the America’s.
NOMADNOMAD:: A person or group of people who move from place to place in search of food.A person or group of people who move from place to place in search of food.
Asia
North America
Bering Strait

13. How did peoplefirst get to theAmericas?
Bering Strait TheoriesBering Strait Theories
When ocean levels dropped, a land “bridge”
formed between Alaska and Russia
Earliest migrations about 12,000 - 40,000
years ago
Second migration about 4,500 years ago
across Canada.
Contested by many Traditionalists / Natives!

14. Asia

16. 4. These early
humans were
Stone Age
people. Stone
was their most
advanced form
of technology
for tools and
weapons.

17. First AmericansFirst Americans::
1. Depended on1. Depended on huntinghunting andand gatheringgathering for food and clothing.for food and clothing.
2. Could not2. Could not farmfarm..
3. Tools and weapons made from3. Tools and weapons made from stonestone,, bonebone, and, and woodwood..
4. Died in early 30’s.4. Died in early 30’s.
5. Followed herds of animals across land bridge to North America.5. Followed herds of animals across land bridge to North America.

18. A long and wide knifeA long and wide knife
The axes were used to cut or as hammers.
CLOVIS: Stone knives & Spear points

19. Animals They HuntedAnimals They Hunted::
 Wooly mammoth.Wooly mammoth.
 Bear.Bear.
 Bison.Bison.
 Deer.Deer.
 Anything they couldAnything they could
catch and eat.catch and eat.

20. The capture of aquatic birds with nets was veryThe capture of aquatic birds with nets was very
extended in Mesoamerica, in the areas of the lakes.extended in Mesoamerica, in the areas of the lakes.

21. FarmingFarming::
11. Around. Around 5,0005,000 BC, humans inBC, humans in
Central America learned toCentral America learned to
farm.farm.
2. At first, they grew2. At first, they grew corncorn,,
beansbeans, and, and squashsquash..
3. Over time, other humans in3. Over time, other humans in
the America’s learned tothe America’s learned to
farm.farm.
4. This allowed for civilizations4. This allowed for civilizations
to emerge.to emerge.
Beans
Corn (Maize)
Squash

22. The OlmecanThe Olmecan

23. The OlmecsThe Olmecs
The first American civilization
were people known as the Olmec
in an area known as Mesoamerica
The Olmecs are often
called the “mother
culture” because they
influenced other
Mesoamerican societies

24. The OlmecsThe Olmecs
The Olmecs developed a strong
trade network in Mesoamerica
that brought them great wealth
The Olmecs used their
wealth to build large stone
monuments & pyramids to
honor their leaders & gods
Olmec trade
allowed them to
spread their
culture to other
Mesoamericans
For unknown reasons,
the Olmec civilization
declined by 400 B.C. but
their cities & symbols
influenced later cultures,
especially the Mayans

25. Mesoamerica, southern Mexico and northern Central America, was ideal for
farming. Cities and complex social structures arose there too.
• Lived in hot, humid lowlands
• 1250 BC to200B.C.
• Built first large towns in
Mesoamerica
• Earliest Olmec town
– Pyramid, courtyard
– Eight giant stone heads
– Thronelike monuments
• Towns served as ceremonial,
political and religious centers
Olmec
• Olmec rulers, families lived in
towns
• Lower social classes lived outside
the towns
• Elite led ceremonies, controlled
trade network
• Trade
– From Gulf to Pacific coast
– Rubber, pottery, furs
– Also beliefs, art, games
Society
The First Civilizations

26. OLMEC CIVILIZATIONOLMEC CIVILIZATION
 Appeared around 1250 BCEAppeared around 1250 BCE
 In swampy region along theIn swampy region along the
Gulf of Mexico near modern-Gulf of Mexico near modern-
day Vera Cruzday Vera Cruz
 Not in a river valleyNot in a river valley
 Three major cities:La Venta,Three major cities:La Venta,
San Lorenzo, and TrSan Lorenzo, and Très Zapotesès Zapotes
 ““Olmec” was not what theOlmec” was not what the
people called themselves. Itpeople called themselves. It
means “rubber people” andmeans “rubber people” and
comes from the rubber trees thatcomes from the rubber trees that
flourish in the regionflourish in the region

27. Map of Olmec Empire:Map of Olmec Empire:

28. La Venta: La Venta:
 Ceremonial Olmec Centre.Ceremonial Olmec Centre.
 La Venta was inhabited by people of the Olmec Culture from 1200 BCLa Venta was inhabited by people of the Olmec Culture from 1200 BC
until 400 BC after which the site appears to have been abandoned. It isuntil 400 BC after which the site appears to have been abandoned. It is
believed to have been an important civic and ceremonial centre.believed to have been an important civic and ceremonial centre.
 Today, the entire southern end of the site is covered by a petroleumToday, the entire southern end of the site is covered by a petroleum
refinery and has been largely demolished, making further excavationsrefinery and has been largely demolished, making further excavations
difficult or impossible.difficult or impossible.

30. San Lorenzo:San Lorenzo:
 Early Olmec culture had emerged centred around the San LorenzoEarly Olmec culture had emerged centred around the San Lorenzo
Tenochtitlán site near the coast in southeast Veracruz. They were theTenochtitlán site near the coast in southeast Veracruz. They were the
first Mesoamerican civilization and laid many of the foundations forfirst Mesoamerican civilization and laid many of the foundations for
the civilizations that followed. Among other "firsts", there is evidencethe civilizations that followed. Among other "firsts", there is evidence
that the Olmec practiced ritual bloodletting and played thethat the Olmec practiced ritual bloodletting and played the
Mesoamerican ballgame, hallmarks of nearly all subsequentMesoamerican ballgame, hallmarks of nearly all subsequent
Mesoamerican societies.Mesoamerican societies.
 San Lorenzo is best known today for the colossal Olmec stone headsSan Lorenzo is best known today for the colossal Olmec stone heads
unearthed there, the greatest of which weighs onwards of 40unearthed there, the greatest of which weighs onwards of 40
tons (3) and is 3 metres high.tons (3) and is 3 metres high.

31. treS zapoteS: treS zapoteS:
 (Olmec Capital).(Olmec Capital).
 Located on the slopes of the Tuxtla mountains, this isLocated on the slopes of the Tuxtla mountains, this is
one of the most important Olmec cities, and the firstone of the most important Olmec cities, and the first
to be written about in 1868, along with the firstto be written about in 1868, along with the first
reports of colossal heads. Tres Zapotes is sometimesreports of colossal heads. Tres Zapotes is sometimes
referred to as the third Olmec Capital, as it followedreferred to as the third Olmec Capital, as it followed
on the demise of both La Venta and San Lorenzo.on the demise of both La Venta and San Lorenzo.
 Of particular interest to archaeology is that the siteOf particular interest to archaeology is that the site
was continuously inhabited for over 2000 years (1)was continuously inhabited for over 2000 years (1)

32. Intensive agricultural techniquesIntensive agricultural techniques
Area received abundant rainfall so extensiveArea received abundant rainfall so extensive
irrigation systems were unnecessaryirrigation systems were unnecessary
The Olmecs built elaborate drainage systemsThe Olmecs built elaborate drainage systems

35.  The jaguar god: is the most important god, god ofThe jaguar god: is the most important god, god of
life, represented by an animal half jaguar, half-serpent.life, represented by an animal half jaguar, half-serpent.
•Huehueteotl old god, the
god of fire.
•Quetzalcoatl: god of rain, weather and corn. It is
represented as a feathered serpent.

38. OLMEC ACHIEVEMENTSOLMEC ACHIEVEMENTS
 Talented engineers and architectsTalented engineers and architects
 Built underground sewerBuilt underground sewer
system at San Lorenzosystem at San Lorenzo
 Built pyramids and palacesBuilt pyramids and palaces
from stonefrom stone
 Also carved giant stone headsAlso carved giant stone heads
 Largest is 9 feet tall and weighsLargest is 9 feet tall and weighs
15 tons15 tons
 No one knows their exactNo one knows their exact
functionfunction
 Also developed a writing systemAlso developed a writing system
and a system to record calendarand a system to record calendar
datesdates

39. architecturarchitectur
ee
 The Olmec architecture is to buildThe Olmec architecture is to build
platforms around a courtyard,platforms around a courtyard,
which houses and temples werewhich houses and temples were
builtbuilt
LL
•Olmec artists distinguished themselves
in carving stone.
•Colossal heads carved, zoomorphic and
anthropomorphic sculptures, tombs,
altars with reliefs and huge tombs, and
sculptures that look human.

40. This basaltThis basalt
headhead
measures 1.5measures 1.5
meters highmeters high
and it weighsand it weighs
more than 20more than 20
tons.tons.

41. This OlmecanThis Olmecan
statuette represents astatuette represents a
bald boy.bald boy.
His facial featuresHis facial features
are similar to those ofare similar to those of
Asia.Asia.

43. The “Mother Culture”The “Mother Culture”
• Many historians consider the Olmec
civilization the “mother culture” of
Mesoamerica.
• A mother culture is a way of life that strongly
influences later cultures.
• The Olmec empire led to the development of
other civilizations, such as the Maya and the
Aztec.

45. Decline of theDecline of the
OlmecOlmec
 Olmecs systematically destroyed theirOlmecs systematically destroyed their
ceremonial centers and then deserted the sitesceremonial centers and then deserted the sites
 Statues were broken and buried, monumentsStatues were broken and buried, monuments
defaced, and capitals burneddefaced, and capitals burned
 No one knows why!No one knows why!
 but some speculate reasons involving civilbut some speculate reasons involving civil
conflicts or doubts about the effectiveness orconflicts or doubts about the effectiveness or
legitimacy of the ruling classeslegitimacy of the ruling classes

46. The TeotihuacánThe Teotihuacán

48. TEOTIHUACTEOTIHUACÁNÁN
 Olmec civilization fadedOlmec civilization faded
around 900 BCE butaround 900 BCE but
influenced later civilizationsinfluenced later civilizations
 TeotihuacTeotihuacánán
 100-700 AD100-700 AD
 Giant city containingGiant city containing
200,000 people200,000 people
 Two giant pyramidsTwo giant pyramids
 Pyramid of the SunPyramid of the Sun
 Pyramid of the MoonPyramid of the Moon
 Hundreds of otherHundreds of other
buildingsbuildings

51. TeotihuacánTeotihuacán
City PlanCity Plan

52. CityCity
PlanPlan

53. City PlanCity Plan

54. Avenue of the Dead

55. The Pyramid of the Sun
It is the largest building in Teotihuacán and one of the largest in Mesoamerica

56. The Pyramid of the Sun

57. Pyramid of the SunPyramid of the Sun
 The name Pyramid of the Sun comes from theThe name Pyramid of the Sun comes from the
Aztecs.Aztecs.
 The first construction stage around 100 A.D & theThe first construction stage around 100 A.D & the
second round of construction resulted in itssecond round of construction resulted in its
completed size of 738 feet (225 meters) across andcompleted size of 738 feet (225 meters) across and
246 feet (75 meters) high.246 feet (75 meters) high.
 It’s the third largest pyramid in the world.It’s the third largest pyramid in the world.
 The ancient Teotihuacans finished their pyramidThe ancient Teotihuacans finished their pyramid
with lime plaster, painted brilliantly colored murals.with lime plaster, painted brilliantly colored murals.

58. Structure Measurements, LocationStructure Measurements, Location
and Orientationand Orientation
Dimension Value
Height 233.5 feet / 71.2 metres
Base perimeter 2,932.8 feet / 893.9 metres
Side 733.2 feet / 223.5 metres
1/2 Side 366.6 feet / 111.7 metres
Angle of slope 32.494
Lateral Surface Area
637,370.76 square feet / 59,213.681
square metres (assumes perfect
square base and smooth faces)
Volume
41,841,817 cubic feet / 1,184,828.3
cubic metres (assumes perfect square
base and smooth faces)

59. Teotihuacán: "Pyramid Of The Moon"Teotihuacán: "Pyramid Of The Moon"

60. The Pyramid of the Moon

61. Pyramid of the MoonPyramid of the Moon
 The Pyramid of the Moon is the second largest pyramid inThe Pyramid of the Moon is the second largest pyramid in
Teotihuacan.Teotihuacan.
 It is located in the western part of Teotihuacan.It is located in the western part of Teotihuacan.
 The Pyramid of the Moon covers a structure older than theThe Pyramid of the Moon covers a structure older than the
Pyramid of the Sun which existed prior to 200 AD.Pyramid of the Sun which existed prior to 200 AD.
 The Pyramid's construction between 200 and 450 ADThe Pyramid's construction between 200 and 450 AD

62. Courtyard, Pyramid Of The Moon
Pyramid Is North End Of The Complex

63. The talud-tablero style
a prominent stylistic feature of
Teotihuacan
architecture

64. TALUD- TABLERO STYLETALUD- TABLERO STYLE
 Talud-tablero style used in many MesoamericanTalud-tablero style used in many Mesoamerican
pyramids and a prominent stylistic feature ofpyramids and a prominent stylistic feature of
Teotihuacano architecture.Teotihuacano architecture.
 It consists of a platform structure.It consists of a platform structure.
 The tablero-on top of an inward-sloping surface orThe tablero-on top of an inward-sloping surface or
panel.panel.
 The taludThe talud--the slope-and-panel style.the slope-and-panel style.

65. An overview ofAn overview of
differing Talud-differing Talud-
tablero stylestablero styles

66. Temple of the
Feathered Serpent
in Teotihuacán

67. The Main Stairway Up
The "Temple Of
Quetzalcoatl"

68. The Great CompoundThe Great Compound
Feathered Serpent PyramidFeathered Serpent Pyramid

69. Quetzalcoatl HeadQuetzalcoatl Head

70. A detail found on the Quetzalcóatl PyramidA detail found on the Quetzalcóatl Pyramid

71. Quetzalcoatl HeadQuetzalcoatl Head
Serpent
The Great Compound
Feathered Serpent Pyramid

72. Remains

73. The masks can have been dead people's portraits.The masks can have been dead people's portraits.
This is a mask of Jade coming from Teotihuacán.This is a mask of Jade coming from Teotihuacán.
The holes in the lobes of the ears are to take earrings.The holes in the lobes of the ears are to take earrings.

75. The Toltec CultureThe Toltec Culture

76.  Highlands of central Mexico, 900 to 1200 ADHighlands of central Mexico, 900 to 1200 AD
 Capital located at Tula, near obsidian minesCapital located at Tula, near obsidian mines
 Major trade centerMajor trade center
 Pyramids, templesPyramids, temples
 Militaristic societyMilitaristic society
 Fierce warriors established dominance over large regionFierce warriors established dominance over large region
 Established trade network which stretched into northern SouthEstablished trade network which stretched into northern South
AmericaAmerica
 Developed impressive metal-working industryDeveloped impressive metal-working industry
 Specialized in jewelrySpecialized in jewelry
 worked turquoise, gold, copper, tin, mica, and lead, together withworked turquoise, gold, copper, tin, mica, and lead, together with
green stones, amber, rock crystal (quartz), amethyst, pearls, and opalsgreen stones, amber, rock crystal (quartz), amethyst, pearls, and opals
 Climate change, social conflict led to declineClimate change, social conflict led to decline
The ToltecasThe Toltecas

77. TulaTula
 A.D. 950-1200A.D. 950-1200
 Development of city north of Teotihuacan.Development of city north of Teotihuacan.
 Located on the Tula river and near the Lerma riversLocated on the Tula river and near the Lerma rivers
for easy communication with others.for easy communication with others.
 This new capital was closer to the northern limits ofThis new capital was closer to the northern limits of
agriculture.agriculture.
 Toltec history embellished by Aztecs, Spaniards andToltec history embellished by Aztecs, Spaniards and
others after their collapse in 1200 A.D.others after their collapse in 1200 A.D.

78. Tula BallcourtsTula Ballcourts
Ballcourt 1 Ballcourt 2
Stone (found in the center of
the ballcourt)
possibly connected with the
scoring or ritual
of the game
http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/ballcourt-no2.htm

79. Columns in the form of Toltec warriors in TulaColumns in the form of Toltec warriors in Tula

80. Columns in the form of Toltec warriors in Tula

81. Toltecs

82. This is one ofThis is one of
the warriorsthe warriors
that are inthat are in
the superiorthe superior
part of thepart of the
Temple B. InTemple B. In
their times,their times,
thesethese
warriorswarriors
sustained asustained a
roof.roof. This warrior, lifts the
arms to hold an altar or
reliquary.

83. Altar support from the
Temple of Quetzalcoatl
Rear view of the
altar support

84. Artifacts: PotteryArtifacts: Pottery
Duck effigy bowl
Brazier with skulls
Pipes
Papagayo polychrome bowl
http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/toltecs-dishware.htm

85. Artifacts: Stone CarvingsArtifacts: Stone Carvings
Jaguar statue
Figurines
http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/toltec-standing-figurines.htm

87. Mayan CivilizationMayan Civilization
 The Maya were an early civilization inThe Maya were an early civilization in
Mesoamerica a region that was located inMesoamerica a region that was located in
Central America and parts of southern NorthCentral America and parts of southern North
America.America.
 The Maya civilization began around 1500 BCEThe Maya civilization began around 1500 BCE
in Present-day Mexico and Guatemala.in Present-day Mexico and Guatemala.
 Maya prehistory is often split into three periods:Maya prehistory is often split into three periods:
Pre-classic (2000 BCEPre-classic (2000 BCE——250 CE), Classic (250250 CE), Classic (250
——900) and Post-classic (900900) and Post-classic (900——1500).1500).

88. The MayasThe Mayas
 We know they were not called MayasWe know they were not called Mayas
 When Spaniards arrived, the major city was MAYAPANWhen Spaniards arrived, the major city was MAYAPAN
(thus the name the Mayas)(thus the name the Mayas)
 The Maya civilization reached its height in a periodThe Maya civilization reached its height in a period
called the Classic Age.called the Classic Age.
 During this period, the civilization spread to the YucatanDuring this period, the civilization spread to the Yucatan
Peninsula. It included more than 40 cities of 5,000 toPeninsula. It included more than 40 cities of 5,000 to
50,000 people each.50,000 people each.
 Cities were really city-states, each with its ownCities were really city-states, each with its own
government and king.government and king.
 No single ruler ever united the many cities into oneNo single ruler ever united the many cities into one
empire.empire.

89. Chichen ItzaChichen Itza

91. The AztecThe Aztec
The strong Aztec Empire, founded in central Mexico inThe strong Aztec Empire, founded in central Mexico in
1325, lasted until the Spanish conquest in 1521.1325, lasted until the Spanish conquest in 1521.
 The Aztecs built a rich and powerful empire in centralThe Aztecs built a rich and powerful empire in central
Mexico.Mexico.
 Life in the empire was shaped by social structure,Life in the empire was shaped by social structure,
religion, and warfare.religion, and warfare.
 Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire in 1521.Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire in 1521.

92. Life in the empire was shaped byLife in the empire was shaped by
social structure, religion, andsocial structure, religion, and
warfare.warfare.
 The Aztecs had a complex social structure, a demandingThe Aztecs had a complex social structure, a demanding
religion, and a rich culture.religion, and a rich culture.
 The Aztecs worshipped many gods and regularly madeThe Aztecs worshipped many gods and regularly made
human sacrifices to please the gods.human sacrifices to please the gods.
 Sacrifices were often battle captives. Aztec warriorsSacrifices were often battle captives. Aztec warriors
waged frequent battles with neighboring people towaged frequent battles with neighboring people to
supply enough victims.supply enough victims.
 Aztecs valued art and architecture.Aztecs valued art and architecture.
 They studied astronomy and devised a calendar like theThey studied astronomy and devised a calendar like the
Maya did.Maya did.

93. Tenochtitlan

94. THANKSTHANKS
FORFOR
LEARNINGLEARNING