POLC91H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Spain In The Middle Ages, Written Language, Maya Civilization
6 Dec 2012
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Document Summary
To understand modern latin american politics, you have to go way back. Powerful african influence in latin america, slave trade, sugar trade, particularly in brazil, and. Rise of complex forms of social and political organization: central america, mexico, and the andes, many different tribes. 1st century bc, rose out of guatemala lowlands. Maya civilization had already seriously declined by the time the spanish arrived. We know less about them: 200-900 ad = rise, 1000 ad declines, 1000-1200 ad resurgence, 1200-1400 ad declines. Believed to be ruled by a theocracy, religious leader ruled by virtue (rain god) Written language, carved pictographs and phonetic language. Known for pyramids, central to religion and city life. Probably the largest and closely knit of the 3. Endeavored to pass on improved agriculture methods to conquered people, life improved. Best known for empire, and administrative organization. Well known for political organization, decimal system. Not democratic, good at ensuring necessities of life, ancient socialism.
