ARKY 327 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Feathered Serpent, Glossary Of Ancient Roman Religion, Teotihuacan

52 views3 pages
2018-04-05
Teotihuacan- largest city in the world in 250 AD. Highly organized urban center. Streets
organized in grid pattern. Built around several large pyramids. Pyramid of the moon- built in one
major construction phase. New world pyramids are generally platforms on which a temple is
built, not usually a mortuary place. Recently discovered that this is not necessarily true- burial
shafts and tunnels found at pyramid of the moon. Sacrificial victims in this pyramid-both humans
and animals, not elites. Cages found with animal sacrifices. Human sacrifices suggest two
individuals may have been related, found in an embrace. Associated with pyramid of the moon
are exotic grave goods, suggestive of long distance trade, contact with maya area.
Pyramid of the feathered serpent- large serpent images on the pyramid. Serpent was one of the
major religious icons in central mexico. Beneath the pyramid, hundreds of sacrificed individuals
in groups of nine, probably soldiers. Individuals were placed on their knees, hands bound
behind their backs. Obsidian arrow point found with skeletons- none penetrating the bodies.. No
clear evidence of how they died. Necklaces made of human maxilla and teeth, suggested they
may have been warriors successful in battle, or may have been part of the sacrificial ritual
costume.Stable isotope analysis suggests they had been born in other regions but had spent a
significant amount of time at teotihuacan, may have been immigrant slaves.
Pyramid of the Sun- Tunnel/cave beneath the pyramid that had been modified culturally in order
to make a floral pattern at the end of it, different stages along the tunnel where shrines were set
up. Found a huge mass burial also beneath pyramid 30000 objects found, precious stones.
Was teotihuacan an egalitarian society? They lived in highly standardized apartment
complexes, 2000 complexes in the city in which different domestic units existed side by side
with an inner courtyard. The city may have had a degree of egalitarianism, no strict social
hierarchy, lack of monumental architecture, no royal burials.
Cholula- great pyramid made of brick with thin covering of stone and plaster. Ceremonial
compounds around the outside. Altar on top in shape of a frog surrounded by child sacrifices to
the rain god. When the spanish tried to erect a cross on top of the pyramid it kept being struck
by lightning- spanish believed it needed exorcism.
Over 1000 burials discovered at cholula. Around the base of the great pyramid, some isolated
burials some male/female burials, some mass burials. Mass burial 205, many secondary burials
placed as ‘burial packages’ central feature of isolated skull with two pots, possible a ritual or
mass sacrifice- possible cannibalism.
Many other altars around the pyramid- Altar Olmeca- miniature pyramid altar found with skull
and other bones, possibly sacrifice.
On one of the platform of the pyramid there was a tal structure interpreted as an elite residence.
Found with skeleton with cranial modification, decorated teeth (drill holes in teeth implanted with
gold, jade, turquoise) characteristic of maya sense of beauty.
Adolescents found with different type of cranial modification- believed to be aliens.
The Transito Site- thick stucco floor. Found a tomb, and rock lined crypt in which were the
remains of a burial and grave goods. Two separate burial events, one deeper and sealed with a
new floor. When a descendent passed away, they dug down and found the original crypt and
placed the second individual with the first, and refilled the hole (soft clay) the distribution of
wetness in the soil made it so that the older individual was better preserved.
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Unlock document

This preview shows page 1 of the document.
Unlock all 3 pages and 3 million more documents.

Already have an account? Log in

Document Summary

Teotihuacan- largest city in the world in 250 ad. Pyramid of the moon- built in one major construction phase. New world pyramids are generally platforms on which a temple is built, not usually a mortuary place. Recently discovered that this is not necessarily true- burial shafts and tunnels found at pyramid of the moon. Sacrificial victims in this pyramid-both humans and animals, not elites. Human sacrifices suggest two individuals may have been related, found in an embrace. Associated with pyramid of the moon are exotic grave goods, suggestive of long distance trade, contact with maya area. Pyramid of the feathered serpent- large serpent images on the pyramid. Serpent was one of the major religious icons in central mexico. Beneath the pyramid, hundreds of sacrificed individuals in groups of nine, probably soldiers. Individuals were placed on their knees, hands bound behind their backs. Obsidian arrow point found with skeletons- none penetrating the bodies no clear evidence of how they died.

Get access

Grade+20% off
$8 USD/m$10 USD/m
Billed $96 USD annually
Grade+
Homework Help
Study Guides
Textbook Solutions
Class Notes
Textbook Notes
Booster Class
40 Verified Answers
Class+
$8 USD/m
Billed $96 USD annually
Class+
Homework Help
Study Guides
Textbook Solutions
Class Notes
Textbook Notes
Booster Class
30 Verified Answers

Related Documents