1. Early Civilizations of The Mesoamerica
Human Settlement in the Americas

3. Early Civilizations of The Mesoamerica
Meso = middle
Olmec
Toltec
Maya
Aztec

5. Farming: A. Around 5,000 BC, humans Central America learned to farm.
B. At first, they grew corn, beans, and squash.
C. Farming allowed for civilizations to emerge.
Squash
Beans
Corn (Maize)

6. The Olmecan

7. Olmec Civilization 1250 BC – 200 BC
Built first large cities in Mesoamerica
Constructed Pyramids
Est. trade networks
Developed a system
of writing

8. This basalt head measures 1
This basalt head measures 1.5 meters high and it weighs more than 20 tons. 

10. The “Mother Culture”
Many historians consider the Olmec civilization the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica.
A mother culture is a way of life that strongly influences later cultures.
The Olmec empire led to the development of other civilizations, such as the Maya and the Aztec.

11. The Toltecs Highlands of central Mexico, 900 to 1200 AD
Major trade center
Pyramids, temples
Militaristic society
Established trade network which stretched into northern South America
Developed impressive metal-working industry
Specialized in jewelry
Climate change, social conflict led to decline

12. Columns in the form of Toltec warriors in Tula

13. Toltecs

15. Mayan Civilization
The Maya civilization began around 1500 BC in present-day Mexico and Guatemala.
Est. separate city-states
Talent for Engineering and mathematics
Pyramids and great temples
Warrior society

16. Chichen Itza

18. The Aztec
The strong Aztec Empire, founded in central Mexico in 1325, lasted until the Spanish conquest in 1521.
The Aztecs built a rich and powerful empire
Complex social structure, a demanding religion, and a rich culture.
worshipped many gods and regularly made human sacrifices to please the gods.
valued art and architecture.
studied astronomy and devised a calendar.

19. Tenochtitlan