Articles related to "Mesoamerica"



The Birth of Civilization in Ancient Mesoamerica
When -and for what purposes-did the peoples of pre-Columbian Middle America seek to develop from hunter-gatherers into the creators of some of the most renowned cities in the entire history of ancient civilization? Are all the great civilizations of Mesoamerica-the Maya, Aztecs, Olmecs, Zapotecs, and others-part of one great culture? Were there “strong continuities” in ancient Mesoamerica that created this one great civilization known as ancient Mesoamerica, that then flourished from 1200 BC to 1521 AD? What factors prompt the birth and define the characteristics of civilization, anyway? A study of Mesoamerica's cultural creation provides many clues.
mesoamerica middle america pre-columbian hunter-gatherer civilization

Another Mystery of Mesoamerica: The Enigma of the Olmecs
Evidence points to the Olmecs as the first emerging civilization of Mesoamerica, not the Maya. The discovery remains a quiet one--but should be getting as much attention as the discovery of Troy. Who's been keeping it quiet and why? Once more, an ancient culture emerges seemingly intact--with little evidence of early development. Where did the Olmecs come from? The find is wrought, still with controversy.
ancient civilization mesoamerica olmec maya archaeological

Climate, Extinction, and Mesoamerica
In Mesoamerican civilization, two important events were the extinction of megafauna, and the adoption of agriculture and sedentary life. But how are they connected?
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Ascension of the K'uhul Ajaw
Perhaps the greatest inequality imaginable is the one between a man and his god. What, then, of those occasions when a man takes on the persona of a god?
k'uhul ajaw maya holy lords maya kingship maya archaeology preclassic mesoamerica

Human Sacrifice in Ancient America
Ancient American Civilizations live in some infamy for their alleged practices of human sacrifice.
human sacrifice mesoamerica ancient south america moche aztec

Part Two: The Mysteries of Teotihuacan
Mysteries, myths and legends abound over the genesis and sudden collapse of Teotihuacan; ancient Mesoamerica's golden city. Was it a utopia created to appease angry gods, or the place where bloody human sacrifices began? Profound efforts are underway to unlock the secrets of this mysterious civilization, as archaeologists and anthropologists rebuild its past, without the benefit of any written record. Teotihuacan: Called by its survivors as "The Place where Time Began."
quetzalcoatl feathered serpent pyramid mesoamerica sacrifices

Teotiuhuacan: City of the Gods
Popular Mayan and Aztec ruins fuel the imagination and are well known to most people. But there is an ancient, little-known city-created before the Aztecs, before the Maya, before the Olmecs, that archarologists and anthropologists believe provides a key to unlocking more distant and yet,more complex answers to life in Mesoamerica. Teotihuacan plays a starring role in Mesoamerican anthopology. Why?
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The Ancient History of Chocolate
By 1585, when Europeans got their first taste of chocolate, cacao had been a major part of Mesoamerican society for over a thousand years.
history of chocolate chocolate maya aztec hot chocolate

The Conquest of Mesoamerica: Part One
What happened to change the magnificence of Mesoamerica's civilizations? According to history, the invasion of the region by Spain prompted changes that forever altered the destiny of these indigenous peoples. Others claim the events that unfolded were prophecy fulfilled. In part one of this report of the conquest of Mesoamerica, all the forces at play unfold.
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The Conquest of Mesoamerica: Part Two
What were Spain's motives in the conquest of Mesoamerica? How did Cortes and his band of conquistadors manage to conquer the Aztec Empire, and lay seige to all of what is today called Mexico? What happened to the indigenous cultures? Part 2 offers an in depth analysis of the conquest,its motives and its impact. Ultimately, Mesoamerica would be no more.
spain cortez moctezuma aztec conquest of mexico

The Mystery of Quetzalocatl: The Christ of Ancient Mesoamerica?
The central figure in the pantheon of Mesoamerican gods, Quetzalcoatl remains much of a mystery. Considered the creator god, and the messiah of humanity, the Feathered Serpent God was also believed to be a man who actually lived as the son of a Toltec warlord, and yet unlike the traditional Mesoamerican race, Quetzalcoatl was described as blue-eyed, fair skinned, blonde, and bearded. Who was Quetzalcoatl the man, the myth, the messiah?
quetzalcoatl aztec cortes toltec mixcoatl

The Magnificent Maya
Hidden deep beneath centuries of jungle overgrowth until the mid 1800s, the secret splendor of the magnificent Maya remains an enigma to researchers and scholars. Capable of complex civilization, art, astronomy, math and science dating back to 300 BC, the reasons for their rise and demise are still unclear, despite the fact that there are more than 4 million Maya alive today. What do we really know--and why don't we know more?
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Who Was Mormon?
A look at the man whose name is synonymous with one of the largest Christian churches in the world.
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Mayan Mysticism and Ancient Science
Did the ancient Maya of Central America possess an ancient science more advanced than our own? There has been some recent speculation about just how brilliant were Mayan scientists and rulers? Could they even forecast the future? Take a journey into the deep, mysterious rain forests of Central America and find out for yourself...
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An Introduction to the History of Teotihuacan
The Mesoamerican Early Classic (200-600 CE) saw the zenith of the city centre in highland Mexico called Teotihuacán.
teotihuacan mesoamerican history mesoamerican archaeology mexican history teotihuacan empire

The Circular Pyramids of Western Mexico
Archeologists are restoring curious circular pyramids, built 2000 years ago by a mysterious civilization which dominated western Mexico from the town of Teuchitlan.
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Human Sacrifice in Aztec Culture
Although the extent of the practice is debated by scholars, human sacrifice played an important role in Aztec religion and culture.
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Mythology: General Editor: C. Scott Littleton
A reference book of this quality is an excellent addition to your reference library... especially if you are the type of person who likes to understand other’s at a deep level. Whatever your subject, students of many different topics would also find this an indispensable title to have in your library. With more than 700 colour photographs and nearly 700 pages of information-packed pages to look through, ‘Mythology’ is an excellent value reference book to add to your collection.
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The Kingfisher Book of Mythology
This book is interesting, culturally and historically informative, captivating and serves as a fantastic introduction to world mythology for many ages.
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Cooking with Vanilla
Natural vanilla comes from seed pods of the native Mexican orchid while the unnatural kind comes from the petrochemical guaiacol or from lignin, a constituent of wood.
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Mel Gibson and the Maya
Mel Gibson takes us into the world of the ancient Maya civilization. Their beautiful but sometimes bizzare culture is one of histories greatest mysteries.
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All Saints Day/All Souls Day
Since the early Middle Ages, Halloween has been part of a trio of major Church feasts. But what are these feasts and what do they commemorate?
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Decorative World Art
Art book 30,000 Years of Art, with large-scale photographs of world art organized chronologically, includes medieval decorative art from 8th century.
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Empty Cities
To this day, the mystery surrounding the sudden abandonment of the cliff dwellings of the Anasazi remains unanswered.
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Guatemalan Civil War History
The article is a history of the Guatemala's 36-Year civil war that explains the groups involved and the challenges facing the peace process today.
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Indian Religions
Although Paleo-Indians migrated to North and South America over many centuries, there are religious similarities that demonstrate a common mythos.
native american religions common traits paleo-indian migration ice age migrations creator spirits

Mayan Encounter in Mexico
The Mayan Encounter includes rappelling into a Cenote, cleansing by a Maya shaman, swimming in an underground pool, and lunch in an authentic Mayan village.
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National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art, located in Chicago, is the first Hispanic art museum in the nation to receive accreditation from the American Association of Museums.
hispanic art chicago national museum of mexican art photography ceramics

Ocher and Prehistoric Burial Practices
The use of ocher in prehistoric burial practices throughout the world shows the cultural significance that hematite had in mortuary practices among early peoples.
ocher hematite mortuary burial skeleton

Teotihuacan
The city of Teotihuacan was the site of the infamous Aztec sacrifice made to the sun god and was at the centre of the Aztec religion.
teotihuacan aztec sacrifice aztec religion teotihuacan pyramids aztec human sacrifice

The Conquest of the Maya
When learning the history of the Spanish Conquest of the Americas, one hears of Cortez overthrowing Aztec Emperor Montezuma and Pizarro the Sapa-Inca Atahualpa.
conquest of the maya spanish conquest yucatan post-classic maya conquest of the americas

The Viking-Maya Connection
The legend of Quetzalcoatl is known throughout Latin America, although he is called by many different names.
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Ullamaliztli
Although vulcanized rubber wasn't officially patented until the 1840s, rubber balls were an important part of Mesoamerican culture, religion and yes, sports, by 1600 B.C.
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UNESCO Heritage Sites in Mexico
During the 80s, eight Mexican sites were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. These cultural and natural sites bear testimony to Mexico's rich history and diversity.
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Answering A Profound Challenge
Why study the American Indian? If you have ever wondered at the inaccuracies and incompleteness of information about Native Americans, particularly in our nation's classrooms, this article may help explain why. Moreover, this article discusses why an accurate study of Native Americans is so very critical at this time in history.
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Legend of Quetzalcoatl
Do you like chocolate? And what does chocolate have to do with the South American legend of Quetzalcoatl. Well, it is like this, you see...
myth legends south america aztec toltec

Anasazi Architecture
The Anasazi established a trading empire that was among the most advanced in pre-contact North America.
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The Mayan Astrological Calendar
Why not try following the Mayan calendar for a New Year's resoloution? Would certainly make life a little more interesting. Here's an introduction to their unique system.
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Maya Codices
The Maya codices were written and illustrated to record important astrological information.
maya codices hieroglyphics cortes

Hernan Cortez and the Quetzalcoatl Prophecy
With the stars lining up for him, Hernan Cortes' conquest of Mexico may have been made easier by the centuries old prophecy of a returning bearded god from the east.
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Monumental Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera's fresco masterpieces depicting the history and pride of Mexico have ensured his place in art history.
diego rivera mural fresco mexico mexican art

Day of the Dead Masks, Latin American Art
Human skull masks symbolize the Hispanic festival called the Day of the Dead held on November 1 and 2. Special mask designs are works of art based on Posada's La Catrina.
day of the dead art masks skull masks dia de los muertos mesoamerican art skull symbol

The Maya Civilization
The Mayans were a highly advanced civilization that made many predictions, including is interpreted as an end of the world prophesy.
maya mayan the mayan mayas 2012 mayan calendar


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