Cultural, Religious, Artistic, Economic, and Social Spheres Maya and Teotihuacan Cultural, Religious, Artistic, Economic, and Social Spheres

Introduction

Culture and Religion

Religion Priest kings Site of Creation, Popul Vuh. Strong concept of dualism Polytheism and Paganism El Mirador pyramid temple, Popul Vuh Comparison To Eurasian Civilizations: Connection to Greek and Roman paganism. Connection to Chinese, Mesopotamian and Egyptian, strong bond between Religion and agriculture. Asian Religions

Traditions Calendar increase in competitiveness between city states Culture of Teotihuacan Sacrificial victims Ritual Ball game Carvings and writings 50 city states flourished, use of stone tools Ball Game Stone Carving

Astronomy and Mathematics Developed by Intellectuals and Priests Combination of Mathematics and astronomy Vigesimal system Important concepts Numeral System

Language Developed an Elaborate writing system Pictographic and syllabic History, Religion and Astronomy 287 symbols Mayan alphabet

Art in 2nd wave Mesoamerican Societies

Mayan Architecture El Mirador Engineered Landscape Frieze Terraces Flattened ridges Drained swamps Water management  Agriculture

Sculpture Royal family Head attire Rituals Warfare

Painting Murals Sophisticated Maya Blue Folding books Dresden Codex Showed cultural items

Teotihuacán Architecture North / South boulevard Street of the Dead Temples, houses of the elite Pyramids of Sun and Moon Specialist workers

Art Few scenes of Rulers Murals Gods Decorative building

Interactive Activity Identify the scene depicted in the following 3 Mayan art pieces Find the religious significance

Interactive Activity The Ball Game. Popular Sport played in the Maya Empire. Religious: losers were often sacrificed.

Interactive Activity Blood Letting. The King’s wife lacerated her throat with thorns, while the King holds a torch above her head.

Interactive Activity Identify the Scene The Presentation of the Captives. Prisoners of War were shown to the King, some of which were selected to be sacrificed. Identify the Scene

Social and Economic Distinctions

Mayan Social Hierarchy Rulers Elite Scribes, Priests, Artisans Peasants, Merchants

Maya Urban centers Patrilineal families Gender roles dictated by religion and custom Elite women maintain rights Commoner Women: domestic duties, food, cloth Competing city states  Mesopotamia, Greece Labor supporting elite

Teotihuacan Trades and Ethnic Groups Residential apartment compounds Foreigners Peace

Economy Lack of fruitful interaction vs. Egypt and Mesopotamia, Persia and Greece Maya: Flourishing Agriculture Luxury goods Teotihuacan: Pottery, obsidian Conquer Maya territory for commodities (cacao beans, feather, herbs, etc.)

Conclusion