ANTH 160A1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Mesoamerican Writing Systems, Olmec Colossal Heads, Logogram

• School: University of Arizona
• Department: Anthropology Main
• Course: ANTH 160A1
• Professor: Triadan

Document Summary

Mesoamerica : culture area defined by shared features of indigenous groups. Staple crops include corn, beans, and squash. Crops grown in milpas (small garden plots) , or via slash and burn or swidden. Small farming villages by 2000 bc; large scale intensification of farming during later years. Late preclassic (c. 300 bc - ad 250) Gulf coast lowlands of mexico (veracruz and tabasco) First state level societies in mesoamerica (san lorenzo and la venta) System of logographic glyphs located on stone slabs. Contains some of the earliest monumental architecture and monuments in mesoamerica. Contains one of mesoamerica"s earliest pyramidal structures. Also colossal heads, jade effigies, large stone altars, elaborate tombs. 400 bc - 700 ad (middle preclassic to late classic) Located in highlands of southern mexico (modern state of oaxaca); becomes dominant polity in area during late preclassic. By ad 200 hereditary rulers and state level organization. Peak population of up to 30,000 (during early classic)