ARCH 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: El Azuzul, Olmec Colossal Heads, Maya Hero Twins
20 Feb 2020
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Document Summary
Began as a small village, with early occupations around 1500 bc. By 1200 bc, site was centre of a sphere of influence roughly 400 square miles, incorporating more than 100 smaller village sites. By this time (1200 bc), all of the hallmarks of civilization were in place. 900 bc, san lorenzo established as first city in mesoamerica. Had all of the hallmarks of civilization mentioned previously. San lorenzo is defined as a regalritual city: An urban centre that had highly developed ritual functions, but modest populations, relatively weak and decentralized rulership, and limited economic function. This is typical of most cities in mesoamerica. Dates to the 10th century bc, at the height of the area"s power. Excavations revealed a series of large sculptures, visible from the river, probably to demonstrate the power of the local rulers. The sculpture consisted of two identical kneeling human twins, and two jaguars, recalling the hero twins of mythology.
