Mesoamerica

Mesoamerica english

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Mesoamerica is a historical region and cultural area in North America. It extends from approximately central Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and northern Costa Rica. This region is characterized by a number of cultural traits shared by its indigenous cultures.

Geography

Mesoamerica is geographically diverse, encompassing a range of environments including arid deserts, tropical rainforests, and mountainous highlands. The region's varied geography influenced the development of its cultures, with different areas supporting different types of agriculture and settlement patterns.

History

Mesoamerica is one of the six areas in the world where ancient civilization arose independently. The history of Mesoamerica is divided into several periods:

• Preclassic period (2000 BCE – 250 CE)
• Classic period (250 CE – 900 CE)
• Postclassic period (900 CE – 1521 CE)

Preclassic Period

The Preclassic period saw the rise of the first complex societies in Mesoamerica, such as the Olmec civilization, which is often considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica. The Olmecs are known for their colossal head sculptures and contributions to later Mesoamerican cultures.

Classic Period

The Classic period is marked by the dominance of city-states such as Teotihuacan, Tikal, and Calakmul. This era is characterized by the development of large urban centers, monumental architecture, and complex social and political structures.

Postclassic Period

The Postclassic period saw the rise of the Aztec and Maya civilizations. The Aztecs established a powerful empire centered in Tenochtitlan, while the Maya continued to thrive in the Yucatán Peninsula and surrounding areas.

Culture

Mesoamerican cultures shared several common traits, including:

• Agriculture: The cultivation of maize, beans, squash, and chili peppers.
• Writing systems: Various forms of hieroglyphic writing, such as the Maya script.
• Calendar systems: Complex calendars, including the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar.
• Religion: Polytheistic beliefs with a pantheon of gods and goddesses, and practices such as human sacrifice.

Languages

Mesoamerica was home to a diverse array of languages, many of which are still spoken today. Some of the major language families include:

• Mayan languages
• Nahuatl
• Mixtec
• Zapotec

Archaeology

Archaeological research in Mesoamerica has uncovered a wealth of information about its ancient cultures. Notable archaeological sites include:

• Chichen Itza
• Palenque
• Monte Albán
• Copán

Related Pages

• Olmec
• Maya civilization
• Aztec
• Teotihuacan
• Tikal
• Chichen Itza
• Mesoamerican ballgame
• Mesoamerican writing systems