Latin America – Early Civilizations of Middle America
The Mayan Civilization was located in Central
America and Mexico.
The Mayan Civilization lasted from A.D. 250 – 900.
Copan is a Mayan city now located in present day Honduras. Tikal is also a
former Mayan city, which is now located in present day Guatemala.
The concept of zero, as used in math was an important contribution from
the Mayan Civilization.
The Mayan form of writing was known as hieroglyphics.
This is a form of graphic writing, using signs and symbols instead of
letters, as we do.
The Mayas also studied
the stars and planets.
They made two types of
calendars, as well.
Although the Mayan farmer grew a variety of crops, corn, known
as maize was its most important crop.
Pok-Ta-Tok was a game
played by the Mayan Civilization. It was an early
version of…
Basketball
The Aztec Civilization began in
the Valley of Mexico. They
settled on an island in Lake Texcoco, in 1325. It took time
to develop, but lasted through the
early 1500s.
The Aztec people were able to change
a swampy lake into a great city, which was called Tenochtitlan
which was its capitol city.
The floating island was noted for great farming, and the
Aztecs were known for their farming skills.
Aztec doctors were able to make over a thousand types of
medicine from using plants.
In conclusion:
The Aztecs are remembered for developing hieroglyphics, medicine,
designing jewelry, fine crafts and predicting eclipses.