The cultural horizons of Mesoamerica They are the set of characteristic and temporal features that spatially define this region. The concept of Mesoamerican civilization refers to the complex of indigenous cultures that developed in parts of Mexico and Central America before Spanish exploration and conquest in the 16th century.
The organization of its kingdoms, empires, and other factors make it comparable to the civilizations of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China.
On the other hand, the term cultural horizons was originally used by the American anthropologist Herbert J. Spinden.
Another American anthropologist, AL Kroeber, formalized the concept: a unified style that shows distinctive characteristics, so that its relationships with other more local styles serve to locate them in relative time.
Main characteristics of the cultural horizons of Mesoamerica
The cultural horizons of Mesoamerica is a useful concept to situate this region chronologically. These horizons are based on the evaluation of two basic measures: space and time.
Together, Mexican and North American archaeologists have developed a Chronological Table to date the different cultural horizons of Mesoamerica. This uses two criteria: stratified explorations and Radiocarbon results.
In this way, a first cultural period represented by the hunters of already extinct species such as the mammoth has been identified. The second phase is characterized by the discovery of agriculture.
Then, three periods are distinguished: Preclassic, Classic and Postclassic. These are briefly described below.
Preclassic period
The Preclassic, also known as the Formative (approx. 2300 – 100 BC), has been divided into three periods: early, middle, and late. The Early Preclassic period marks the beginnings of agriculture.
However, only part of their diet was supplied by domesticated crops. Another important part of this came from hunting, fishing and gathering. The social organization was simple, and was based on subsistence
On the other hand, the Middle Preclassic dates from the interval between 1500 BC and 600 BC. It is characterized by the emergence of religious political centers and rural settlements on the periphery. In addition, monumental sculpture and public architecture begin to appear.
Finally, the Late Preclassic period comprises the period from 600 to 100 BC approximately.
The calendar system and hieroglyphic writing appear in the Oaxaca Valley and in the Olmec area. In this period, the emergence of several centers of political and economic power with monumental architecture also stands out.
Classical period
In the Classic period (250 BC to AD 950), the Maya civilization was in full swing. Among the great achievements are the distinctive writing and calendar systems, polychrome ceramics, vaulted architecture, and public buildings with pyramids, palaces, and ball courts.
Its scholars maintained astronomical calculations, carried out sophisticated mathematical operations, and transmitted written texts. In itself, this period is defined by the appearance and use of ancient monuments.
Postclassic period
The final period of Mesoamerican history is generally placed between AD 950, and the arrival of the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in 1519 or with his conquest of the Aztecs in 1521.
This has been characterized as a period of intense warfare and high military organization. It is also claimed that a secular form of government predominated and that there was a general artistic decline.
References
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