El Posclásico

Summary

This script narrates the rich history of Mesoamerica, detailing the rise and fall of great cultures like Teotihuacan, Monte Albán, and the Maya. It discusses the power struggles, military advancements, and the sacred status of war in their societies. The script also covers the emergence of new trade routes, political shifts, and the establishment of cities like Tula and Tenochtitlan. The Mexica's rise to power, the Triple Alliance, and the eventual European conquest set the stage for significant changes in Mesoamerica's destiny.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The script discusses the rise and consolidation of major Mesoamerican cultures such as the Teotihuacanos, Mayas, and the establishment of their settlements, calendars, and numeration systems.
• 🌟 The script mentions the power centers of Teotihuacán, Monte Albán, and Tikal, which were significant but faced opposition from cities like Cacaxtla, Xochicalco, El Estor, and Uxmal, leading to military strengthening and increased warfare.
• 🛣️ The script describes the emergence of new trade routes and political and social realignments, with new settlements aiming to control these routes and establish political and military dominance.
• 🗡️ Being a member of the army was prestigious, and the script notes the sacred status of war in religion and its glorification in art, leading to increased human sacrifices and tzompantli.
• 🏚️ Monte Albán was largely abandoned, and Teotihuacán's population drastically reduced, reflecting the decline and conflicts among Mayan cities.
• 📚 The script talks about the beginning of the Postclassic period, with the search for new territories leading to the central region of Mesoamerica being populated by new settlements and small towns.
• 🏙️ The rise of cities like Tula and Chichen Itza is highlighted, with Tula being the central hub of the cult of Quetzalcoatl and having divine justifications for its power.
• 🔄 The script describes the cultural exchange among Mesoamerican peoples, sharing symbols, calendars, and codices, narrating similar passages about war, sacrifices, alliances, and gods.
• 💥 Tula's sudden collapse due to internal divisions led to the dissolution of unity among the people and triggered migrations that shaped the Late Postclassic period.
• 🛡️ The script narrates the migrations and foundation of new towns by groups like the Chichimecas, Acolhuas, Tepanecs, and Otomis, who created alliances and fought for territory.
• 🏰 The Mexica people, originating from the Chichimeca, migrated to the south and founded the powerful city of Tenochtitlan, which expanded its influence through warfare and alliances, eventually forming the Triple Alliance and dominating Mesoamerica.

Q & A

What were the main cultures that consolidated during the final period of the script's timeline?

The main cultures that consolidated during the final period were the Teotihuacanos, Mayas, and the Monte Albán.

What was the impact of the power struggle between major cities during the late classical period?

The power struggle led to a strengthening of military forces, the construction of walls and fortresses, an increase in warfare, and the rise of the cult of warrior gods.

What were the consequences of the decline of Teotihuacán and Monte Albán?

The decline of these cities resulted in a reduction of their populations and power, with Teotihuacán's population dropping from 150,000 to just 30,000 inhabitants.

How did the new settlements in the central region of Mesoamerica contribute to the political and social reconfiguration?

The new settlements sought control of trade routes and political and military dominance to subjugate other regions, leading to a reconfiguration of power dynamics.

What role did the military play in the societies of the late classical period?

Being a member of the military was a prestigious position, as religion had elevated war to a sacred level, and art further exalted it with scenes of battles and gods devouring hearts.

What was the significance of Tula in the Post-Classic period?

Tula was significant as it was considered the central place of the god Quetzalcóatl, and its rulers were seen as divine descendants, giving the city a divine justification for its power.

Why did the city of Tula experience a sudden collapse?

Tula collapsed due to internal divisions among its rulers, which led to its destruction and abandonment, dissolving the unity of the people.

What were the Chichimecas, and what role did they play in the Post-Classic period?

The Chichimecas were northern settlers who moved to various towns, with Tula being the most significant. They played a crucial role in the establishment of new towns and the cultural and political landscape of Mesoamerica.

How did the Mexica people establish their dominance in Mesoamerica?

The Mexica people, originally from the Chichimeca, migrated and settled in various areas, eventually forming alliances and creating powerful armies that led to the formation of the Triple Alliance, which dominated much of Mesoamerica.

What was the significance of the Aztec calendar system in their cosmology and rituals?

The Aztec calendar system, with cycles of 365 and 260 days, was crucial in their cosmology as it represented the cycles of the world and was used to synchronize rituals and ceremonies every 52 years.

How did the Aztecs' military practices contribute to their city's prosperity and religious beliefs?

The Aztecs' military practices were central to their religion, providing prisoners for sacrificial rituals, and to their prosperity, securing tributes and wealth from conquered territories.