PRE HISPANIC CULTURES

By Paulina17_
  • 2500 BCE

    OLMEC

    OLMEC
    • Considered the mother culture of Mesoamerica.
    • Located on the Gulf Coast of Mexico (Veracruz and Tabasco).
    • Famous for its colossal heads, sculptures, and the ballgame.
    • Developed a writing system and a calendar.
  • 2500 BCE

    PRE-CLASSIC PERIOD

    PRE-CLASSIC PERIOD
    • Development of the first civilizations in Mesoamerica.
    • Emergence of agricultural practices and permanent settlements.
    • Early expressions of art and religion.
  • 1500 BCE

    TOTONAC

    TOTONAC
    • Located in the Veracruz region, contemporary with the Olmecs.
    • Famous for their ritual traditions and ceremonies.
    • Known for decorative pottery and sculptures.
  • 1199 BCE

    ZAPOTEC

    ZAPOTEC
    • Developed primarily in Monte Albán (Oaxaca).
    • Known for monumental architecture and elaborate tombs.
    • Created their own writing system and calendar.
    • The Zapotec society was hierarchical and had a strong religious system.
  • 250 BCE

    TEOTIHUACAN

    TEOTIHUACAN
    • The city of Teotihuacan was one of the largest urban centers in Mesoamerica.
    • Known for its large pyramids, such as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
    • Developed an extensive trade system and had significant cultural influence over other regions.
  • 200

    CLASSIC PERIOD

    CLASSIC PERIOD
    • Height of major urban and architectural civilizations.
    • Development of writing systems and complex social structures.
    • Expansion of trade and cultural influence.
  • 600

    TOLTEC

    TOLTEC
    • The city of Tula was their capital and an important cultural center.
    • Known for their architecture and influence on the Mexica.
    • Worshipped Quetzalcoatl and had a strong focus on militarism and warfare.
  • 900

    MAYA

    MAYA
    • Spanned southeastern Mexico and parts of Central America (Guatemala, Belize, Honduras).
    • Known for their advanced knowledge in mathematics and astronomy.
    • Developed independent city-states with a hieroglyphic writing system.
  • 900

    MEXICA

    MEXICA
    • Founded the city of Tenochtitlan, which became the capital of their empire.
    • Known for their tribute system and rich cultural and religious life.
    • Their religion included human sacrifices, which were central to their worldview.
  • 1000

    POST-CLASSIC PERIOD

    POST-CLASSIC PERIOD
    • Significant political changes and migrations.
    • Rise of military and trade cultures.
    • Greater emphasis on religion and rituals.