What Do You Know About History of The Olmecs APWH Flashcards.

- From 8000- 7000 B.C.E the peoples of Mesoamerica had begun to experiment the cultivation of beans, chili peppers ,avocados ,squashes, and gourds. By 4000 B.C.E they discovered the potential of maize.- Did not keep as many animals as the people of the east. but had turkeys and small barkless dogs. Most animals in the west were not able to be domesticated, so they were unable to harness energy from animals.- Had no use for wheeled vehicles, because no animals would move them.

- Elaborate ceremonial centers include: Monumental pyramids, temples, and places that arose alongside the the agricultural villages. - Permanent residents of these ceremonial centers were the ruling elites, priests, and a few artisans and craftsmen who tended to them. - large numbers of people gathered on special occasions and observe rituals or on market days to exchange goods then return to their villages or hamlets.

- The "rubber people" Derived from the many rubber trees around the region they inhabited.- First Olmec center 1200 B.C.E on the site of San Lorenzo and was the capital for about 400 years.- Then new ceremonial centers appeared: La Venta ( 800-400 B.C.E) and Tres Zapotes (400-100 B.C.E) - Constructed elaborate drainage system.

- featured an elaborate complex of temples, pyramids, altars, stones sculptures, and tombs for rulers.-Thousands of laborers were participated in the making of these projects.- Colossal human heads carved from basalt rock.

- The Olmecs produced large numbers of decorative objects from jade.- Made extensive use of obsidian and made knives and axes with wickedly sharp cutting edges.- In exchange for the imports the olmecs traded small works of art fashioned from jade, basalt, or ceramics and perhaps some animal skins.

- Lived in the Highlands of Guatamala-Kaminajuyu was a ceremonial center rather than a true city- Harvested maize in a abundance; Cultivated cotton and woe into textiles; raised cacao -Cacao was so valuable is was used as money.

-The most important Maya political center between the 4th and the 9th centuries C.E- Temple of the Giant Jaguar , stepped pyramid rising at 47 meters ( 154 ft) represented Tikal's control over the surrounding region.

-warriors had prestige; captives were slaves or victims.- Maya Kingdoms fought constantly with one another.- captives would either be slaves for the rest of lives or sacrificed victims to Mayan Gods.

- Chichen Itza in the northern Yucatan peninsula seek dampen hostile instincts and establish a larger political frame work for Mayan Society.- Rather captives adapt to their lifestyle than kill them off. - Organized a loose empire that brought a measure of political stability to the northern Yucatan.

-800 C.E.-many Mayans deserted their cities except in the northern Yucatan, where Chichen Itza continued to flourish.

-The Maya calendar had both solar and ritual years interwoven- Believed that the end if a cycle would bring monumental changes that would ultimately end the world.

- Maya writing was ideographic and syllabic; only four books survive dealing with astronomical and calendrical matters.- Most Mayan writing survives in the form of inscriptions on temples and monuments

1. -Popol Vuh, a Maya creation myth, taught that gods created humans out of maize and water
2. -Gods maintained agricultural cycles in exchange for honors and sacrifices
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-Bloodletting rituals honored gods for rains- Sacrificed war captives so the gods would send rain on their crops.

-sporting, gambling, and religious significance