15 #Ancient #AMERICAN #Civilizations
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00:00Hey everybody, you know, despite popular belief, Christopher Columbus did not discover America.
00:06When he saw it for the first time in 1492, people had been living in the region for thousands
00:11of years, and many ancient American societies were incredibly complex.
00:15So for today's video, I'm counting down 15 amazing ancient American civilizations.
00:20Let's start with number 15, the Karal Supe.
00:24The Karal Supe civilization, also known as the Norte Chico, is one of the earliest known
00:28societies in the Americas, flourishing on the north-central coast of Peru.
00:33Dating back to around 3500 BCE, this civilization emerged long before the Inca, Aztec, or Olmec
00:40cultures, making it one of the six places on Earth where civilization is known to have
00:45developed independently.
00:47At its height, this region was home to over 30 population centers.
00:51Karal Supe is most famous for its monumental architecture, particularly the pyramids.
00:56These pyramids, like those later built in Egypt, were aligned with the stars.
01:01We know the ancient Egyptians understood astronomy and math, but that was a world away.
01:05Did the Karal Supe hold this same knowledge?
01:08Well, even more puzzling, the pyramids in Karal were constructed thousands of years
01:13before the famous structures of Mesoamerica.
01:16So what sets this whole place apart is not just the scale of those achievements, but
01:20the evidence of sophisticated technology.
01:23for preventing earthquake damage, an essential innovation in the seismic region they inhabited.
01:29And while they may not have worn white lab coats and handled Bunsen burners, they did
01:33in fact leave behind evidence that would suggest they understood rudimentary chemistry for
01:38purposes like building construction.
01:41Despite wide-reaching interactions, there is no indication that the Karal Supe was a
01:45militarized society.
01:47Excavations have revealed no weapons or fortifications, suggesting that this civilization thrived
01:52in a peaceful environment, focused more on commerce and knowledge than on conflict.
01:5814.
02:00The Olmec The Olmec civilization, thriving along the
02:04Gulf Coast of Mexico from roughly 1200 to 400 BCE, is often recognized as the first
02:09major civilization in Mesoamerica.
02:12The Olmecs are most famous for their colossal stone heads and massive sculptures that look
02:17like they hold legends of the hidden temple.
02:20Two key cities defined the Olmec world, San Lorenzo and La Venta.
02:24San Lorenzo, which rose to prominence around 1200 BCE, was the earliest major city in Mesoamerica.
02:31It was here that some of the most significant artifacts of Olmec culture were discovered,
02:35including 10 of those colossal stone heads.
02:38These heads, carved from basalt and weighing as much as 8 tons, are thought to depict rulers,
02:43each one unique in its facial features and adorned with helmets, possibly linked to warfare
02:48or the famous Mesoamerican ball game.
02:51La Venta took over as the cultural and political center around 900 BCE, and besides the colossal
02:57heads, the excavators here have found Complex A, a religious site that reveals Olmec's advanced
03:02understanding of ceremonial architecture.
03:05Complex A, along with the other sites here at La Venta, underscore the Olmec's role as
03:09religious innovators in Mesoamerica, influencing later civilizations like the Maya and the
03:15Aztec.
03:16Their religious practices, including sacrifice, cave rituals, and the construction of ball
03:20courts, became staples of Mesoamerican culture for centuries.
03:25The ball game, in particular, was a significant part of their society, blending sport with
03:29religious and political symbolism.
03:3213.
03:33THE NAZCA The Nazca civilization lived on the southern
03:37coast of Peru between 200 BCE and 600 CE, thriving in the harsh desert environment along
03:44the Nazca and surrounding valleys.
03:46Their society was centered around religious and urban sites like Cahuachi and Ventilla,
03:51with Ventilla serving as the urban capital.
03:54Covering roughly 495 acres, Ventilla featured ceremonial mounds, walled courts, and terraced
04:00housing, making it a hub of everyday life.
04:03To combat ever-present threats of drought, the Nazca constructed an impressive network
04:07of underground aqueducts and cisterns, ensuring a steady supply during the dry season.
04:13What the Nazca civilization is most famous for, however, are the mysterious geoglyphs
04:18known as the Nazca Lines.
04:20These massive designs etched into the desert floor include shapes of animals, plants, and
04:25human figures, as well as simple straight lines and geometric patterns.
04:29The scale of these designs is pretty staggering – they're the size of sports fields, with
04:34the longest straight line stretching over 20 kilometers.
04:38Some of the most iconic figures include a hummingbird, spider, and a whale, all of which
04:42are only visible from the air, which only adds to their mystery.
04:47The exact purpose of those lines remains uncertain, but the most widely accepted theory is that
04:52they were used in religious rites.
04:54These geoglyphs may have been walked along as part of processions, connecting sacred
04:58sites or pointing towards water sources.
05:01But how did these ancient people of the Americas even make them?
05:05Well, it's highly likely that the designs were created by removing the darker surface
05:09rocks, revealing the lighter desert soil beneath.
05:1212.
05:14Zapotec The Zapotec civilization, known as the Cloud
05:18People, was a powerful and influential culture that dominated the southern highlands in Central
05:23Mesoamerica, specifically the Valley of Oaxaca.
05:26Their origins trace back to the late Pre-Classic Period around 500 BCE, and they thrived until
05:32the end of that Classic Period around 900 CE.
05:35The Zapotecs developed their intricate society centered on agriculture, trade, and a religious
05:40tradition, and everything Zapotec centered around Monte Alban, the Zapotec capital, which
05:46rose as a major urban center around 500 BCE.
05:50Over the centuries, Monte Alban became the heart of the Zapotec political, cultural,
05:53and religious life, growing into a sprawling city that rivaled other greats, even the Olmecs.
05:59But part of what made the Cloud People so unique is their religion.
06:03The pantheon of deities reflected the complexity in their society, with gods representing critical
06:09elements like rain, wind, and fertility.
06:12The Bat God, Kosijo, the Rain and Lightning God, and the God of Corn were among the most
06:18revered.
06:19Religious ceremonies here, and even sacrifices, were key components in their spiritual lives,
06:23and temples and pyramids dotted the landscape here.
06:26Local legends also speak of an elaborate network of tunnels beneath Mitla, believed to be an
06:31entrance to the underworld.
06:32These tunnels were reportedly sealed by Spanish missionaries, and they highlight the spiritual
06:37nature of the Zapotec world.
06:39According to these tales, the tunnels led to deep cavities within the earth, connecting
06:43the living world with the underworld.
06:4611.
06:48TIWANAKU EMPIRE The people of the Tiwanaku Empire lived between
06:52200 and 1,000 CE in the Titicaca Basin of present-day Bolivia.
06:59At an elevation of 12,000 feet, Tiwanaku was the highest city in the ancient world, commanding
07:03a strategic position near the sacred Lake Titicaca.
07:06At its peak, the city housed between 30,000 to 70,000 people, making it a major hub of
07:11cultural, political, and economic activity in the region.
07:15The empire extended its influence over the Altiplano Plains and beyond, stretching to
07:19the Peruvian coast and parts of northern Chile.
07:23But what sets Tiwanaku apart was its remarkable ability to adapt to the harsh highland environment.
07:29The basin where the city was built was prone to seasonal flooding due to snowmelt from
07:33nearby ice caps, and the Tiwanaku people ingeniously constructed raised fields, or sucacolas, elevated
07:39sod platforms that were separated by canals to protect their crops from frost and drought.
07:45In addition, large aqueducts were built to channel water, making Tiwanaku a sophisticated
07:49agricultural society.
07:51Llama caravans, too, also played a critical role, bringing in maize and other trade goods
07:56from lower elevations, thus connecting Tiwanaku with a wider Andean trade network.
08:02After centuries of dominance, the Tiwanaku civilization began to decline around 1100
08:07CE.
08:08One widely held theory attributes this collapse to climate change, specifically a significant
08:13decrease in rainfall that caused the groundwater levels to drop.
08:17As a result, the once-thriving raised field systems failed.
08:21While this environmental shift is seen as a major factor, it does remain unclear whether
08:26it was the sole cause of the empire's downfall.
08:28What is certain, however, is that the Tiwanaku civilization disintegrated as a regional power,
08:34leaving behind an impressive legacy of cultural and architectural achievements.
08:3910.
08:41Wari The Wari civilization existed in the Andes
08:45and coastal regions of modern-day Peru between 500 and 1,000 CE.
08:50These folks were a powerful and expansionist empire that differed from many of its contemporaries,
08:56though its emphasis on militarism.
08:58They were centered around the city of Wari, located northeast of modern Ayacucho, Peru.
09:03The civilization expanded its influence over much of Peru, establishing strongholds in
09:08both highland and coastal areas.
09:10The remnants of this empire, including the Wari ruins and Cerro Baur, offer insights
09:15into the military-driven strategies that underpinned Wari expansion and governance.
09:20The Wari were a little more overt in their reliance on force, using weapons, fortified
09:26cities, and defensive architecture to secure and control their growing empire.
09:30The strategic emphasis on defense here is evident in the architecture of Wari's subsidiary
09:36centers, which were often fortified.
09:38Sites such as Pique Lacta, a two-square-kilometer walled complex, may have even housed military
09:43garrisons designed to resist external threats.
09:46Their use of imperial-style infrastructure helped to unify the regions under their control,
09:51with provincial centers connected to the capital via a network of roads that facilitated both
09:56military and administrative coordination.
09:59While their military prowess allowed them to dominate much of ancient Peru, their civilization
10:04eventually began to decline around 800 CE, likely due to the effects of long-term drought,
10:10which lasted far more than the aforementioned dry spell.
10:13The depopulation of the capital city Wari and other government centers marked the gradual
10:17deterioration of their once-mighty empire.
10:21Archaeological evidence suggests that as the Wari state collapsed, rival groups began
10:25to engage in increased warfare and raiding, further destabilizing this region.
10:29Although some cities continued to be occupied by descendant groups, major construction projects
10:34ceased, and the empire's political structure fragmented.
10:399.
10:40MISSISSIPPIAN The Mississippian culture, which lasted from
10:44around 700 CE until the arrival of European explorers, was the last significant prehistoric
10:49culture development in North America.
10:51It spanned a vast area from the southeastern United States to the Midwest, reaching into
10:56the river valley of states like Mississippi, Alabama, Illinois, and Ohio.
11:01This complex and influential society was marked by its agricultural prowess, hierarchical
11:07political structures, and large-scale public works.
11:10The Mississippians were primarily agricultural, relying heavily on the cultivation of maize,
11:14beans, and squash, which allowed their population to thrive.
11:18But what set the Mississippian culture apart from other indigenous groups of the time was
11:22its extensive and organized social and political structures, often referred to as theocratic
11:27village states.
11:29Each major settlement was typically led by priest rulers who governed not only their
11:33town but also satellite villages, creating a larger political entity and even confederacies.
11:39Warfare was common, and there were alliances, and they were crucial in Mississippi expansions
11:44and consolidations of power.
11:46And central to their society was a ceremonial plaza, often surrounded by large earthen mounds
11:51that served as platforms for the temples or residence of the elite.
11:55Monk's Mound, the largest man-made earthen structure in North America, covers 15 acres
12:00and rises 100 feet and underscores the complexity and ambition of the Mississippian urban planning.
12:07As the Mississippian culture expanded, it became a dominant force in North America,
12:11but it had already begun to decline by the time European explorers arrived.
12:16The reasons for this decline are still debated, but environmental changes, warfare, and internal
12:20strife likely contributed to the collapse of many Mississippian centers.
12:25One of the few Mississippian groups to survive into the colonial period was the Natchez,
12:29who maintained aspects of Mississippian culture and continued to practice mound building and
12:34maintain their religious hierarchy.
12:38Number 8.
12:39Moche The Moche civilization, flourishing along
12:42the northern coast of Peru from around 1 CE to 800 CE, is known for its remarkable achievements
12:48in art and agriculture.
12:50Spanning the Chicama Valley and extending as far as the Chincha Islands, the Moche state
12:55covered a significant portion of the northern coast and highlands of Peru.
13:00The Moche were contemporaneous with the Nazca civilization further down the coast, however,
13:04through conquests and the acquisition of wealth and resources, the Moche established themselves
13:09as one of the most influential cultures.
13:12Their artistic and architectural contributions here are among the most impressive in pre-Columbian
13:16America.
13:17However, the Moche are best known for their huacas, massive pyramid-shaped structures
13:22made of thousands of adobe bricks.
13:25These huacas served multiple functions, including temples, palaces, administrative centers,
13:29and even ritual meeting places.
13:32The Moche also built extensive systems of irrigation canals, channeling streams from
13:36the Andes to support their agriculture.
13:39This sophisticated system enabled them to cultivate maize, beans, and other crops, sustaining
13:44their large urban centers.
13:46Residential compounds constructed from standardized adobe bricks housed multiple families and
13:51included living quarters, craft workshops, and storage rooms.
13:55Shaped stone foundations found in some hill slope locations suggest the presence of higher
13:59status individuals, though researchers don't know for sure.
14:02The exact reasons for the Moche's demise remain unclear, but several theories exist.
14:08Environmental changes, including severe climatic events such as prolonged droughts and catastrophic
14:13flooding caused by El Niño phenomena, may have played a significant role.
14:18Studies of ice cores from Andes glaciers reveal a period of intense rainfall followed
14:23by severe drought between 563 and 594 CE, which could have disrupted agriculture and
14:28weakened the Moche political and social structures.
14:31Additionally, the encroachment of sand dunes and tectonic strain on irrigation systems
14:36might have also contributed to the civilization's decline.
14:40Moving on to number 7, Teotihuacan Teotihuacan, a sprawling metropolis in the
14:46basin of central Mexico, stands as one of the most influential cities of ancient Mesoamerica.
14:52Flourishing during the Classic Period from around 375 to 500 CE, Teotihuacan was a center
14:58of power, culture, and religious significance.
15:01It was the largest city in pre-Columbian America, and it's known for its architectural grandeur.
15:06The city's layout was dominated by two colossal pyramids, the Pyramids of the Sun and the
15:11Pyramid of the Moon, which framed the central avenue known as the Avenue of the Dead.
15:16At its zenith, Teotihuacan controlled extensive territories in the Mexican Central Highlands,
15:22exerting influence through a combination of military might and strategic alliances.
15:26The architecture of Teotihuacan is marked by its monumental scale.
15:31Monk's Mound, the largest man-made structure in the Americas, measures approximately 1,000
15:36feet long, 700 feet wide, and 100 feet high.
15:39Its scale reflects the city's ability to mobilize and manage a large labor force, indicative
15:45of its organizational skills.
15:47The most significant deity was the Spider Goddess, a rare female figure in Mesoamerican
15:52pantheon, symbolizing the creation and fertility.
15:56She's depicted with a fanged mask resembling a spider's mouth.
16:00Other important deities included the Water Goddess, represented by a monumental statue,
16:05and Tlaloc, the rain and war god.
16:08The Feathered Serpent God, later known to the Aztecs as Quetzalcoatl, and Zipetotec,
16:13associated with agricultural renewal, were also prominent in the city's religious practices.
16:19One of the more intriguing aspects of Teotihuacan is the mystery surrounding its sudden decline.
16:24Around 600 CE, the city suffered significant destruction, with major buildings set on fire
16:29and artworks deliberately smashed.
16:32This event marks a dramatic shift in the city's political dynamics, possibly linked to resource
16:37scarcity, internal strife, or even invasions from rival cities.
16:436.
16:44HOHOKAM The Hohokam culture, a significant prehistoric
16:48civilization in what is now central and southern Arizona, flourished from around 200 to 1400
16:54CE.
16:55They're known for their impressive achievements in irrigation and agriculture.
16:59The Hohokam left behind a rich legacy that continues to be studied.
17:03Their people inhabited the semi-arid region along the Gila and Salt Rivers in present-day
17:08Arizona, and the name Hohokam is derived from the Pima language, meaning those who have
17:12vanished, reflecting the culture's mysterious disappearance.
17:15Their culture is traditionally divided into four developmental periods – Pioneer, Colonial,
17:21Sedentary, and Classic.
17:23These periods mark the evolution of Hohokam society, from early village settlements to
17:27complex urban centers.
17:29During the Pioneer period, they established their foundational settlements.
17:32Snake Town, one of their most prominent ones, was a major site during this era.
17:37Situated within the Hohokam-Pima National Monument, Snake Town was inhabited from around
17:41300 BCE to 1050 CE.
17:45At its peak, the site included two ball courts, numerous trash mounds, a ceremonial mound,
17:50a large central plaza, and hundreds of residential houses.
17:53The Sedentary period marked the peak of the Hohokam territorial expansion.
17:58Villages continued to grow, and some were fortified with walls.
18:02Trash mounds became more common, and the Hohokam perfected their canal systems, which reached
18:07a maximum length of over 150 miles.
18:09During the Classic period, the Salado tribe, part of the ancestral Pueblo culture, settled
18:14in Hohokam territory.
18:16This period saw the introduction of Pueblo-style architecture, with multiple-storied adobe
18:21community houses and the continuation of pit houses.
18:24Basketry became a prominent art form here, and agriculture diversified with the addition
18:28of beans and squash.
18:30The Hohokam also maintained and renovated their extensive irrigation canals, some of
18:35which were put back into use in the 20th century.
18:39Number 5.
18:40Haida
18:41The Haida civilization, indigenous to the Pacific Northwest coast, encompasses the rich
18:46cultural tapestry of British Columbia, Canada, and Southern Prince of Wales Island in Alaska.
18:53Known as the Kaigani in Alaska, the Haida are closely related to their Tlingit and Tsimshian
18:58neighbors.
18:59Their culture, deeply rooted in complex social structures and vibrant artistic traditions,
19:04offer a unique glimpse into their lives and legacies.
19:07Traditional Haida society was organized around a matrilineal system that divided the population
19:12into two primary groups, the raven and the eagle.
19:16This system, determined by maternal lineage, defined social roles, ceremonial functions,
19:21and territorial rights.
19:23Each moiety was further divided into various lineages, which controlled specific lands
19:28and had their own leaders and cultural practices.
19:30This social structure allowed the Haida to maintain a cohesive society with distinct
19:35roles and responsibilities.
19:36Economically, the Haida relied heavily on the abundant natural resources of their coastal
19:41environments.
19:42Fishing, particularly salmon, halibut, and cod, were central to their subsistence.
19:48Their economy also included hunting and gathering, which complemented their fishing activities
19:51and contributed to their culture.
19:54The Haida are renowned for their exceptional art and architectural achievements, which
19:57are primarily centered around wood carvings.
20:00Their totem poles, carved from large tree trunks, are perhaps the most iconic of their
20:05creations.
20:06These poles serve as historical records, family crests, and ceremonial markers reflecting
20:12the lineage and status of Haida families.
20:14Another significant aspect of this art is the transformation mask.
20:18These masks, used in ceremonial dances, depict animals or mythical beings that transform
20:23into other forms when the mask is manipulated.
20:26This transformation symbolizes the spiritual change and connection, emphasizing the Haida's
20:31deep spiritual beliefs and artistic sophistications.
20:34Despite facing challenges, though, such as the prohibition of potlatches by the Canadian
20:38government from 1885 to 1951, which led to the confiscation of many ceremonial objects,
20:44including masks, the Haida have managed to preserve and adapt their cultural practices.
20:49The contemporary Haida art scene continues to thrive and drive their dynamic cultural
20:54legacy.
20:55Bill Reed, known for his work in gold and silver, and Michael-Nicole Yagoulinas, who
21:00blends traditional Haida motifs with manga-style art, exemplifies the evolution and global
21:05integration of Haida artistic forms.
21:084.
21:10TOLTEC The Toltec civilization, which dominated
21:13central Mexico from around 900 to 1150 AD, left a lasting legacy through their mastery
21:19of art, architecture, and military power.
21:22From their capital city of Tolan, the Toltecs were not only renowned as fierce warriors,
21:27but also as sculptors and builders who spread their influence far beyond their borders.
21:32At the heart of the Toltec civilization was a powerful military, organized into warrior
21:37orders that reflected both animals and deities.
21:40Jaguars, eagles, and the gods Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca were central symbols of their
21:45warrior culture.
21:47The Toltec warriors were equipped with short swords, darts, and a curved weapon that combined
21:52elements of an axe and a club.
21:54With these tools, they expanded their empire, spreading their influence and religion throughout
21:58the region.
21:59The Toltecs are remembered not only for their military conquests, though, but also for their
22:03extraordinary achievements in art and architecture.
22:06Tolan, their capital, was home to monumental stone carvings, including serpent columns,
22:10giant statues, and human and animal standard-bearers.
22:14The Toltecs also produced the enigmatic Chocmul statues, reclining figures that were used
22:19in religious ceremonies.
22:21These artistic accomplishments have been widely admired, and the Toltecs are credited with
22:26being among the finest craftsmen of their time.
22:28The Toltec civilization unfortunately came to an abrupt end around 1150 CE, when their
22:34capital, Tolan, was sacked and burned.
22:37The reasons for this event remain speculative, with historians suggesting various possibilities,
22:42including invasions by neighboring Chichimec tribes, internal civil strife, or rebellion
22:47by vassal states.
22:49Among the invaders, though, were the Aztecs, a rising power that would go on to dominate
22:53central Mexico in the centuries that followed.
22:56Despite the fall of Tolan, though, the Toltec influence endured, particularly through cultural
23:01and religious practices adopted by the Aztecs.
23:043.
23:06THE INCA The Inca Empire is the largest pre-Columbian
23:10civilization in South America, and at its height, the Inca Empire stretched across the
23:15western side of the continent, encompassing huge territories from Ecuador to Chile.
23:21With its capital, Cusco, Peru, the Inca civilization claimed divine descent from the ancient Tiwanaku
23:27culture at Lake Titicaca.
23:29Their history is interwoven with both myth and conquest, defining an empire whose influence
23:35reverberates today.
23:37The Incas, as the legends tell, were born from the sun god Inti, making them the children
23:43of the sun.
23:44They believe their first rulers were brought into existence at Tiwanaku, hence their divine
23:48connection to Inti.
23:50In a different version of this myth, the Incas originated from a sacred cave known as Tamputoco.
23:56Manco Capac, the first Inca ruler with his sister-wife Mama Okoro, led their people to
24:02settle the fertile Cusco Valley, founding what would become the capital of the greatest
24:06empire in South American history.
24:09To maintain control over such a vast territory, the Incas developed an efficient system of
24:13tribute and labor.
24:15Farmers, herders, and craftsmen contributed their resources and skills while the state
24:20redistributed food and resources during times of need.
24:24This system, despite being demanding, also brought benefits such as public works, food
24:29security, and religious festivals that reinforced loyalty to the state.
24:33The Inca's ability to control their massive empire was greatly aided by their impressive
24:38engineering feats.
24:40Roads stretched across mountains and valleys, with the most famous remnant being the Inca
24:44Trail that connects Cusco to Machu Picchu.
24:47The Inca road network allowed for rapid movement of armies, goods, and information, making
24:51it possible to govern such a vast region.
24:54Despite its immense size and power, the Inca Empire met its downfall in the 16th century
24:59due to a combination of internal strife, disease, and the arrival of the Spanish invaders.
25:05The Inca ruler Huaynacapac died in 1528 from a European disease, most likely smallpox,
25:11which had spread through the Americas before the Spanish themselves arrived.
25:15His death sparked a civil war between his sons, Huascar and Atahualpa, which weakened
25:19the empire just as Pizarro and his men arrived.
25:242.
25:26Aztec The Aztec civilization, also known as the
25:30Mexica, emerged as one of the most powerful and sophisticated societies in Mesoamerica
25:35before their eventual fall to Spanish conquest in the early 16th century.
25:39With their capital at Tenochtitlan, the Aztecs created an empire that stretched across much
25:44of northern Mexico, supported by military conquest, agricultural prowess, and intricate
25:50political alliances.
25:51The Aztec empire at its height was a dominant force known for its impressive urban planning
25:56and religious practices.
25:58Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, stood on an island in modern-day Mexico City.
26:03According to Aztec myth, their god Huitzilopochtli led them to the site where they were to build
26:08their city upon spotting an eagle perched on a cactus with a serpent in its beak, a
26:13powerful symbol now enshrined in Mexico's national emblem.
26:17Founded in 1325, Tenochtitlan rapidly grew into one of the most densely populated urban
26:22centers of its time, with an estimated population of 140,000 at its peak.
26:27The Aztec political system was some of the most complex at the time, centered around
26:32the emperor, who ruled with the support of an elite noble class.
26:36The triple alliance between Tenochtitlan, Tecoco, and Tlacopan helped cement Aztec dominance.
26:42The tribute from these subject states was used to sustain the empire, with goods such
26:46as maize, cacao, cotton, and jade flowing into the capital.
26:50Also, the Aztec calendar system was equally as complex, involving multiple overlapping
26:55cycles including the 260-day and the 365-day periods.
27:00These calendars guided agricultural and religious events, while the 52-year cycle was a period
27:05of renewal marking the end of one era and the beginning of another, maybe even hearkening
27:10the end of the world.
27:11At some point, though, things became unstable.
27:14Resentment among lower classes began to feel the burden of their place on the totem pole.
27:18This unrest was seized upon by the Spanish conquerors when Hernan Cortes arrived in 1519.
27:24After initial peaceful interactions with the Aztec ruler Montezuma, tensions escalated,
27:29leading to warfare.
27:31Disease, particularly smallpox, devastated the Aztec population, wiping out a large portion
27:36of their people before the final siege of Tenochtitlan in 1521.
27:411.
27:42MAYA The Mayan civilization is one of the most
27:46celebrated ancient civilizations of the Americas.
27:48It thrived in modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras, with a
27:54history that spans over several millennia.
27:57The Maya were not a single empire, but rather a collection of city-states that shared a
28:01common culture, language, and cosmological beliefs.
28:05At the heart of their society was a deep spiritual connection to the nature of life and the cosmos,
28:10shaping their understanding of life, death, and the universe itself.
28:14The rise of the Maya began around 250 CE, during the Classic Period, which lasted until
28:20about 900 CE.
28:22At its height, the civilization was composed of over 40 cities, some of which housed populations
28:27as large as 50,000 people.
28:30However, the civilization mysteriously declined after 900 CE, with many of the great cities
28:36abandoned and overtaken by the jungle.
28:39The reasons for this collapse are still debated, but theories include overpopulation, deforestation,
28:44prolonged drought, and warfare that disrupted trade routes and destabilized the region.
28:50The Maya were known for their extraordinary accomplishments in various fields.
28:53Their understanding of mathematics was advanced for its time, particularly their development
28:58of the concept of zero, which was integral to their complex calendar systems.
29:02These calendars were central to Maya cosmology, with the 260-day and 365-day cycles used to
29:08predict astronomical events.
29:11One of the civilization's most intriguing cultural practices was the ball game, Poker
29:16Talk.
29:17More than a simple sport, this game symbolized the struggle between life and death and the
29:21triumph over the underworld.
29:24Played on expansive stone courts, it was both a religious ritual and a form of entertainment,
29:29with the possibility that captains or players from the losing team were sacrificed to the
29:33gods, further embedding the game into their spiritual worldview.
29:38The Maya believed that life did not end with death, but rather continued in a cyclical
29:43journey through various realms.
29:45Their world was thought to be divided into layers, with the underworld beneath and the
29:49thirteen levels of heaven above.
29:52The gods played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the universe, and to appease
29:55them, the Maya performed human sacrifices and other rituals.
30:00Despite the decline of the great classic cities, the Maya did not disappear.
30:04During the post-classic period, cities like Chichen Itza and Uxmal continued to thrive,
30:09albeit on a smaller scale.
30:11By the time the Spanish arrived in the early 16th century, though, many Maya had reverted
30:15to a village-based agrarian society, but they retained the religious and cultural practices
30:20of their ancestors.
30:22The Spanish conquest brought new challenges, but the Maya and their traditions endured,
30:27and many of the descendants still inhabit the same regions today.
30:34Thank you to our channel members.