Mesoamerica 3

Tikal founded by Yax Ehb Xook (90 CE), with dynastic claims to royal lineage.
Sihyaj K’ahk’ (378 CE) was a nobleman from Teotihuacan who influenced Tikal's throne.
- Installed Yax Nuun Ahiin, a child, as ruler.
- Yax Nuun Ahiin's father known as Spearthrower Owl, potentially a former king of Teotihuacan.
Sihyaj K’ahk’ seen as a king-maker in various Maya capitals.
Stable isotope data shows Yax Nuun Ahiin was raised in Tikal, suggesting a link and emulation of Teotihuacan's royalty.

Tikal was strategically significant, vying for trade routes, alliances, and engaging in conflicts, particularly with the Kaanul dynasty.
Notable conflicts include:
- 562 CE: Kaanul and Caracol claim victory over Tikal; known as the first recorded "Star War."
- 695 CE: Tikal, led by Jasaw Chan K’awiil I, defeats Kaanul king Yich’aak K’ak.
Last major monument at Tikal dated to 869 CE; city eventually overtaken by jungle.

Star Wars: A term for decisive conflicts among Maya city-states, symbolized by a star glyph.

Largest Pyramid: Stands over 45 m tall, originally a ceremonial structure that transformed into a palace with workshops in the Classic period.
Marketplace Chiik Nahb: Key trading center in Calakmul with murals depicting vibrant commerce activities:
- Vendors identified through glyphs such as AJ u-lu (food vendor) and AJ ja-yi (pottery vendor).

Between 800 and 830 CE, significant upheaval led to:
- Halt in constructing pyramids and monuments.
- Decline in producing elite goods linked to increased warfare, political instability, and drought.
Shift from divine kingship to social reorganization, influencing centers' abandonment.
Notable migration of populations to northern lowlands.

Centers of civilization in the Valley of Oaxaca and Valley of Mexico established early communities.

Emergence of the Zapotec civilization by 1150 BCE, known for early pottery and public buildings.
Growth to 3500 people (by 500 BCE), displaying authority with writing, as evident in monuments.

Capital of the Zapotec state; rapid expansion into urban complexities, including plazas and defensive structures.
Population reached 30,000 at its peak, and it was known for its remarkable sculpture (Danzantes) depicting captives.

Known as "the place where the gods were born".
Occupation began around 2000-1000 BCE, with urban growth leading to a population of 125,000 by 300 CE.
City planned with distinct architecture and grid layout.

Pyramid of the Moon: Oldest monumental building, first built around 100 CE with rich burial offerings.
Pyramid of the Sun: Tallest ancient structure with significant construction techniques revealed by excavations.
Temple of the Feathered Serpent: Architectural hub with mass burials and ritual significance.

Served as residential clusters for up to 100 people, showing signs of social cooperation and limited inequality.

Dominance diminished between 550-575 CE; widespread destruction of buildings possibly due to revolt.
Population drastically reduced to 20,000 - 40,000.

Emerged after Tula's decline, with Tenochtitlán established on Lake Texcoco.
Triple Alliance in 1426 marked the rise to power, with Tenochtitlán becoming a commercial hub.

Described as well-planned and sophisticated, with advanced agricultural systems like chinampas.
Templo Mayor as a religious center, showcasing elaborate pyramidal structures and mass sacrifices.

Hernan Cortes led the expedition in 1519, utilizing alliances with indigenous groups against the Aztecs.
Significant diseases brought by the Spanish decimated the indigenous populations.
By 1521, Tenochtitlán fell, leading to the establishment of Mexico City on its ruins.

Tzomplantli: Used for displaying skulls as a part of ritualistic sacrifices, indicating the importance of warfare in Aztec culture.
Market at Tlatelolco: Significant economic center facilitating trade; practices included standardized pricing and various forms of currency.
The Fifth Sun: Aztec cosmological beliefs revolving around cyclical time and the significance of blood sacrifices to sustain life on earth.