ANT 476 - Mesoamerican Prehistory

Designed as an in-depth examination of the historical development of ancient civilizations of Mexico and Central America, stretching from the earliest Mesoamerican village and the onset of agriculture, to the rise of the powerful Aztec empire and the European contact period. Several themes of recurring importance will be explored, including the origins and intensification of agriculture, the rise of an elite class, public architecture and urbanism, and regional interaction spheres. Explores the notion of a “pan-Mesoamerican tradition” by first understanding the culmination of that tradition observed by 16th century Europeans, and subsequently investigation the origins of Mesoamerican civilization and its historical development. While this class is not intended to be an exhaustive survey of Mesoamerican Prehistory, it will explore these ideas through a number of cultural traditions that include the ancient Olmec, Maya, Toltec, Mixtec, and Aztec.

Prerequisites & Notes
ANT 101 or ANT 170 or permission.

Credits: 3