HIST 261 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Hunter-Gatherer, Chichen Itza, Tres Zapotes
Document Summary
Early societies in mesoamerica: first large wave was siberia to alaska (13000bce) Early agriculture in mesoamerica: no domesticated cattle, no wheeled carts. Olmec society: authoritarian, artistic creations were the large human heads. Trade in obsidian and jade: spread the influence by military force and trade. The maya: modern day mexico, belize, guatemala, honduras, and el salvador, harvested maize, cotton, and cocoa. Tikal: built more than 80 large ceremonial centers, tikal = most important city (600 800 bce, population = 40,000. Mayan warfare: more about capturing, not killing. Mayan society and rituals: extensive knowledge of writing, calendar, math, and astronomy, maya calendar. Mayan writing: contained ideographic elements and symbols, survives on temples and monuments, only 4 books still survive. Blood letting rituals: believed human blood would show gods their worthiness and they would allow rain. Gender roles in the maya society: importance of women, men dominated in many things, but women still played a big role in society.
