SAMPLE US History

What are the three Mesoamerican civilizations? This region is home to many indigenous civilizations, including the Olmec, Maya, and Aztecs. These groups inhabited the region between 16,000–13,000 BCE, or even as early as 21,000 years ago. They were hunter-gatherers and lived in bands of familial groups.

● Olmec Society was the first major Mesoamerican civilization ● Developed the first known writing and numerical systems ● Formed a more unified society around the Gulf of Mexico ● Thrived until around 400 BCE ● Known for large carved basalt stone head statues representing past rulers ● Discovered how to manipulate and use rubber and traded it with other groups ● Influenced other Mesoamerican groups ● Decline attributed to volcanic activity or environmental changes to the water supply

The Olmec

● The Mayan civilization existed in over 40 cities with populations ranging from 5,000–50,000 people each. ● They began developing villages around 1,500 BCE, but their peak period was between 250–800 CE. ● They occupied areas of Belize, Guatemala, and parts of southern Mexico. ● The Mayans were skilled in astronomy, advanced architecture, irrigation, terracing, mathematics, hieroglyphic writing, sculpture, and relief carvings. ● They advanced significantly in their agricultural pursuits and employed slash-and-burn style agriculture. ● Archaeologists believe that they abandoned their lands after 800 CE, due to drought, deforestation, starvation, disease, and overpopulation, moving to other locations throughout southern Mexico. ● The Aztecs, referred to as the "Mexica," were a Nahua ethnic group. They lived in the modern-day central to southern regions of Mexico. ● The Aztecs were hierarchical in structure, meaning that one's social status mattered in society. The highest social level was the emperor or ruler, and the lowest was slaves. ● Their empire became wealthy and glorious by invading other tribes and collecting tributes. ● Most citizens were farmers, commoners, or traders. The higher-class citizens were the nobilities, government officials, priests, and soldiers/warriors. ● The Aztecs developed advanced irrigation and canal networks. ● The Aztec Empire thrived from 1345–1521 CE but ended with the coming of Spanish conquistadors in the 16 th century.

The Maya

The Aztecs

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