History of mesoamerican architecture.

In this video you will learn Mesoamerican Terminologies Mesoamerican Society Significant Mesoamerican Structure Character of Mesoamerican Architecture Famous Buildings in Mesoamerican Architecture Mesoamerican civilization started sometime I N 1, 500 BC during the Bronze Age in the parts of Mexico and Central America before the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. And it is said to be the counterpart of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia and Middle East. Mesoamerican Architecture Well known for their advanced knowledge in astronomy and engineering, in which they have aligned their structures with the planetary and stellar characteristics, thus, have included imagery representations in their architectural designs and city planning. Terminologies Stele – upright slabs. Temple – place of worship and home for city priests with a central courtyard. Pyramids – used as tombs. Na – Mayan thatched huts used for family dwelling, made from trees, mud and grass. Calpulli – ancient Aztec square house with common courtyard. Cancha – a rectangular enclosed housing of the Incas with more than two buildings placed symmetrically around a central courtyard. Chichen Itza – the most recognizable Mayan ruins. Tikal – also called as Yax Mutal – a ruined of the most power kingdom in ancient Maya. Teotihuacan – the largest urban center of Mesoamerica before the Aztecs, believed to be built by the Toltec. Codices or phonetic pictures – system used by the Mixtec to write their history. Sinampas – floating gardens or artificial islands made by the Aztecs from interconnected reeds with stakes beneath the lake's surface, creating underwater fences. Different societies in Mesoamerica 1. Olmec – the primary civilization in Mesoamerican, master of monumental sculptures and built the first pyramid in La Venta, Tabasco. 2. Maya – well known for establishing astronomy, calendar system and hieroglyphic writing. 3. Zapotec – American Indian people that established an eclectic architecture, trademarked for their multi-terraced pyramid, with broad stairways, wide balusters, circular supporting columns, and freestanding structures placed around a plaza. 4. Toltec – flourished in ancient central Mexico, started the militarism in Mesoamerican, noted as builders and craftsmen for monumental porticos, serpent columns, and gigantic statues. 5. Mixtec – referred to as the people of the rain, middle American Indian people sharing numerous cultural traits with the Zapotec neighbors. It was later conquered by the Aztecs. 6. Aztec – latest form of Mesoamerican architecture, master builders of pyramids, ball courts, plaza, temple and homes. Architectural designs were frequent geometrical shapes in a long and symmetrical lines. They are famous for constructing twin temples. 7. Inca – important architecture in South America, focusing structures on civil, religious and military. Well known for their preserved city the Machu Picchu. Significant Mesoamerican Structure 1. Step Pyramid 2. Complex Pantheon of Deities 3. Courtyard House 4. Fortress 5. Temples Character of Mesoamerican Architecture 1. Multi-level elevated platforms 2. Massive step pyramids 3. Corbel gateway 4. Monumental stairway 5. Uses colossal stone heads, figures, stela Famous Buildings in Mesoamerican Architecture 1. Pyramid Sun and Moon – Teotihuacan 2. Great Temple or Temple Mayor – Tenochtitlan 3. Temple Uxmal – Yucatan, Mexico 4. Temple Tikal 1 and 2 – Guatemala 5. Temple of Kukulka – Chichen Itza Moreover, on the other side of the world the Chinese have started their own culture and architecture, hence dominating a large land mass in the region of East Asia by showing a great military force that will be discussed on the next video.