Chapter 5 Lesson 3

Middle America

Home to the Olmecs

First/earliest civilization Called the mother civilizations of the Americas

 Depended on seasonal flooding to water crops and make soil rich Used a form of picture writing Best known for their carvings and artworks
Religious purposes
Worshipped many gods, but most importantly the god in the form of a jaguar
Brought rain

 Ceremonial ball game.

2 teams
Outdoor court with rubber game balls

May not hit the ball with their hands or feet

Must use other body parts, like knee/hips

Heavy padding to protect

 Traces of Olmec civilization found in different parts of Mexico and Central America
Cultural borrowing

Olmect culture did not die out but was absorbed and passed on Mayan civilization first to borrow and learn from Olmecs

 Started as a simple farming culture

Tikal
Largest Mayan city 100,000 people Jaguar (religious symbol)

Used 2 kinds of calendars

260 days (religious events) 365 days (planting, harvesting and seasonal flooding)

 Used Glyphs

Made books (codex)

Lasted more than 600 years

The End
Abandoned and reclaimed by rain forests Wars among cities