The Americas

The America's design period was located in southern America and north of South America. Temples provided spatial orientation for the towns. Pyramids were meant to stand out and represent the gods and powers of the religion. Their religion was polytheistic, which means they believed in many gods. A group of people during this time were known as the Olmecs. They were the first major civilization in Mexico. They developed hieroglyphic writing and the first calendar in the western hemisphere. They were considered the Highest Olmec work-jade. These people also were the first example of a temple focused city type which they referred to as La Venta. Their artwork consisted of delicate carvings of jade, rock crystal, and less valuable stone. Out of these materials, they made ax heads, masks, and decorative objects. Along with their sculpting, they also made mural paintings and pottery. Elites lived in highly decorated homes and wore elegant jewelry and clothing. Commoners lived in homes made of sticks and mud. Another group of people that were apart of this period were the Teotihuacan. They referred to their city as the, "place of the gods". Their ceremonial center was 2 miles in length that included a central spine, the temple of the Feathered Serpent and the Pyramid of the sun and moon. Their arts were decorative and included utilitarian pottery. Their decorative motifs included birds, butterflies, flowers and abstract designs. Next were the Mayas during this period. They were destroyed by Spanish conquest of 1519. But before then they occupied highlands and lowlands. They were known for things like the Castillo, Ball courts, and furniture called Chacmool. Another group of people were the Aztecs. They had two important temples during this time, the god of war and the god or agriculture. Their temple was called the Templo Mayor. Their architecture was expressed through thoughts and belief. The also believed in chinampas which were raised gardening beds located in a swamp or shallow lake. It was what made them the most agricultural. The last group was the Incas. They had the largest empire in Pre-Columbia America. They were known for thier architecture and mainly their trapezoid shape. A famous home for emperors during this time was Machu Picchu. This today is now one of the wonders of the world.

Images:



Maya Ball Court


Machu Picchu

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Extra Credit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boV92hzDlcA