PRE-COLUMBIAN MESOAMERICA

I. Introduction (Mexico, Central America)

II. Characteristics

A. Urbanism
B. Long-distance Trade
C. Religion: cycles

creations: Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl
sacrifices

Recommended: "The Five Suns: A Sacred History of Mexico" (available at Walter library F1219.3 .R38 F58 2004). For more info on the film: http://www.berkeleymedia.com/catalog/berkeleymedia/films/native_american_studies/the_five_suns_a_sacred_history_of_mexico

III. Classic and Post-Classic States

A. Maya (250-900 C.E.)

City states
astronomers and mathematicians
writing

B. Teotihuacan (150-700 C.E.)

C. Toltecs (950-1200)

IV. Mexica (Aztecs) [completed next class]

A. Migration and rise to Power (c. 1325-1500)

Led by Huitzilopochtli (Sun, War)
Capital: Tenochtitlan

B. Warfare

captives
relied on military force more than bureaucracy
unconquered cities within empire: Tlaxcala

C. Tribute: in kind

D. Religion: relationship to war

E. Gender and class: growing differention/hierarchy

IV. Conclusions: See questions from prior lecture

What were similarities and differences between Incas and Mexica?

I.D. Terms

Altepetl

Quetzalcoatl

Tezcatlipoca

Huitzilopochtli

Tenochtitlan

Tlaxcala

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