HS 122 Lecture 7: Spanish Empire and the Atlantic World:
Document Summary
Olmec civilization-settled between coastal lowlands and plateau, southern mexico. Major cultural and political force of southern mexico, Extended achievements of the olmecs-backward count of the calendar historical. Rule by powerful city-states, often at war with one another. Major concentrations and organized societies since at least 3500 years ago. Collapse of many major urban and ceremonial centers by 1000. Causes not certain-most common explanation involves shift in climate-disrupting. Mesoamerican civilization: on corn as a staple crop; trade between the highlands and coastal plains. Famous for head sculptures, found in sites around campeche, mexico. Decline of the classical maya and yucatan cities: agriculture and leading to increased conflict over resources. Blood sacrifice of military prisoners, maintaining fifth creation of the world. Tenochtitlan- commercial center as many as 120,000 people by 1500. Chart on page 456 that shows mortality with european contact technological advancement. Castile and aragon: (castile) bigger more powerful state in 1469. Dynastic marriage driver of reconquista. from 1150.