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200
Greatest Mayan City: Tikal
The city of Tikal rose to become the greatest Mayan city, dominating from 200 to 900 AD. Tikal consisted of many temples in which the Mayans made very intense sacrifices of both animals and humans. One common sacrifice was one's own blood. -
250
Mayan Civilizations
The Classic Period of Mayan civilization began in 250 AD and ended in 900 AD. This was a time when the Mayan civilization reached its period of greatest advancement and development, continually flourishing for hundreds of years. The Maya became known for their architecture, developed heiroglyphic writing system, art style, and mathematical and astronomical acheivements. -
500
Chorotega Indians
The Chorotegas migrated from southern Mexico to what is now Nicaragua. They became the largest and most developed of Nicaragua's indigenous people. They grew corn, cotton, beans, fruits, and cacao. They also used the cacoa seeds for currency. Chorotega citites of up to 20,000 people had central plazas with marketplaces and religious centers. The Chorotegas became known for their ceramic skills, and they even had their own military and slaves. -
Jan 1, 1502
Spanish Conquest
In 1502, Christopher Columbus landed at what is now Nicaragua, claiming the land for Spain. Nicaragua then became part of the colony of New Spain. However, Spain did not completely conquer the land until 1522. When the Spanish arrived, there were three main native tribes living there: the Nicarao, from whom Nicaragua got its name, the Chorotegano, and the Chontal. With the Spanish came Roman Catholocism, which became the established faith of the country until 1939. -
Nicaragua's Independence
Nicaragua gained its independence from Spain on September 15, 1821, along with other Central American provinces. The provinces, after gaining independence, formed the United Provinces of Central America, from which Nicaragua soon seceded, in 1838. Nicaragua continues to celebrate its Independence Day on September 15. -
Somoza Dictatorship
Anastasio Somoza founded a harsh dictatorship, which was passed through his family for 43 years and supported by the United States of America. The Somoza family controlled the government, military, and most of the economy. -
Sandanista Government
After a Civil War between the Somoza govenrment and the rebels, the Sandanista National Liberation Front, the Sandanistas forced the Somozas out of office and formed a new government. In 1984, the head of the Sandanistas, Daniel Ortega, was elected president. An anti- Sandinista group formed, known as the Contras, who fought against the government, with aid from the United States. -
Mayan Sea Trade
Beginning in 900 AD and lasting through 1200 AD, the Mayan sea trade flourished. This growth caused the coastal Mayan cities to prosper.
