Week Seven- The Americas

 The Americas 

Within the Americas is a wide variety of history between Mexico and Peru. In the Preclassical period the spotlight in Mexico tends to be on the colossal heads, of the Olmec People. There are giant heads built out of basalt rock there were believed to be the heads of leaders. In the preclassical period there are three main groups discussed: Teotihuacan, Toltecs, and the Maya. 

The Teotihuacan's were to be found in modern day Mexico City. It was the center of agriculture and trade and had a population around 20,000 people making it the largest city of its time. One of the most famous architectural pieces from this time are the two pyramids, the Moon and Sun. These were very specifically laid out and played with intentionality to the sky, and star paths. They also developed the palaces or better known as apartments, built off the horizontal land. These would have many courtyards with sky lighting that were used as multi-family living spaces. 

The Zapotecs lied in the Valley of Oaxaca in Southern Mexico. The Monte Alban was the administrative center that was centrally located in the valley. The plaza was ringed by three other temples and other structures, one being the ball game. They thought as the game was "where man and God can meet". I find the ball game to be interesting not just because of the deeper meaning but also how it relates to the ball games now. 

The Maya people occupied the space, which is Southern Mexico, they were known for their impressive urban areas. The dominate architecture in these areas were for religious uses, temples on top of pyramids. These pyramids weren't necessarily tall or large but were known for their steep slope. The Jaguar Thrown is a mid-height seat and was used for ceremonies not everyday uses. Also they most commonly used parts of animals in their furniture which is called zoomorphic. The thrown foremost is to look like a Jaguar and secondly a chair. 

The Aztecs were a people that were filled with many ethnic groups and were living near Mexico City, they were a polytheistic community that worshiped the sun god and the war god. The Templo Mayor is the central temple. 

Extra Links: 

Aztec Architecture A Look into the Magnificent Structures of the Aztec Empire (youtube.com)

The Secrets of El Castillo | Buried Truth of the Maya (youtube.com)

Ancient Maya Metropolis | Full Documentary | NOVA | PBS (youtube.com)

The Architecture of Teotihuacan. (youtube.com)

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan (Mexico) (youtube.com)