Influence of the Olmec Civilization on Mesoamerica

The Olmec civilization thrived along Mexicos gulf coast from approximately 1200-400 B.C. and is considered the parent culture of many of the important Mesoamerican cultures that came after, including the Aztec and Maya. From their great cities, San Lorenzo and La Venta, Olmec traders spread their culture far and wide and eventually built a large network through Mesoamerica. Although many aspects of Olmec culture have been lost to time, what little is known about them is very important because their influence was so great. Olmec Trade and Commerce Before the dawn of the Olmec civilization, trade in Mesoamerica was common. Highly desirable items like obsidian knives, animal skins, and salt were routinely traded between neighboring cultures. The Olmecs created long-distance trade routes to obtain the things they needed, eventually making contacts all the way from the valley of Mexico to Central America. Olmec traders swapped finely made Olmec celts, masks and other small pieces of art with other cultures such as the Mokaya and Tlatilco, getting jadeite, serpentine, obsidian, salt, cacao, pretty feathers and more in return. These extensive trade networks spread Olmec culture far and wide, spreading Olmec influence throughout Mesoamerica. Olmec Religion The Olmec had a well-developed religion and belief in a cosmos comprised of an underworld (represented by the Olmec fish monster), the Earth (Olmec Dragon) and skies (bird monster). They had elaborate ceremonial centers: the well-preserved Complex A at La Venta is the best example. Much of their art is based on their religion, and it is from surviving pieces of Olmec art that researchers have managed to identify no fewer than eight different Olmec gods. Many of these early Olmec gods, such as the Feathered Serpent, the maize god, and the rain god, found their way into the mythology of later civilizations such as the Maya and Aztecs. Mexican researcher and artist Miguel Covarrubias made a famous diagram of how different Mesoamerican divine images all diverged from an early Olmec source. Olmec Mythology: Apart from the religious aspects of Olmec society mentioned above, Olmec mythology seems to have caught on with other cultures as well. The Olmecs were fascinated with were-jaguars, or human-jaguar hybrids: some Olmec art has caused speculation that they believed that some human-jaguar cross-breeding had once taken place, and depictions of fierce were-jaguar babies are a staple of Olmec art. Later cultures would continue the human-jaguar obsession: one good example is the jaguar warriors of the Aztec. Also, at the El Azuzul site near San Lorenzo, a pair of extremely similar statues of young men placed with a pair of jaguar statues brings to mind the two pairs of hero twins whose adventures are narrated in the Popol Vuh, known as the Maya bible. Although there are no confirmed courts used for the famous Mesoamerican ballgame at Olmec sites, rubber balls used for the game were unearthed at El Manatà ­. Olmec Art: Artistically speaking, the Olmec were far ahead of their time: their art shows a skill and aesthetic sense far greater than that of contemporary civilizations. The Olmec produced celts, cave paintings, statues, wooden busts, statues, figurines, stelae and much more, but their most famous artistic legacy is doubtless the colossal heads. These giant heads, some of which stand nearly ten feet tall, are striking in their artwork and majesty. Although the colossal heads never caught on with other cultures, Olmec art was very influential on the civilizations that followed it. Olmec stelae, such as La Venta Monument 19, can be indistinguishable from Mayan art to the untrained eye. Certain subjects, such as plumed serpents, also made the transition from Olmec art to that of other societies. Engineering and Intellectual Accomplishments: The Olmec were the first great engineers of Mesoamerica. There is an aqueduct at San Lorenzo, carved out of dozens of massive stones then laid side-by side. The royal compound at La Venta shows engineering as well: the massive offerings of Complex A are complicated pits filled with stones, clay, and supporting walls, and there is a tomb there built with basalt support columns. The Olmec may have given Mesoamerica its first written language as well. Undecipherable designs on certain pieces of Olmec stonework may be early glyphs: later societies, such as the Maya, would have elaborate languages using glyphic writing and would even develop books. As the Olmec culture faded into the Epi-Olmec society seen in the Tres Zapotes site, the people developed an interest in the calendar and astronomy, two other fundamental building blocks of Mesoamerican society. Olmec Influence and Mesoamerica: Researchers who study ancient societies embrace something called the continuity hypothesis. This hypothesis posits that there has been a set of religious and cultural beliefs and norms in place in Mesoamerica that has run through all of the societies that lived there and that information from one society can often be used to fill in the gaps left in others. The Olmec society then becomes particularly important. As the parent culture - or at least one of the most important early formative cultures of the region - it had influence out of proportion with, say, its military might or prowess as a trading nation. Olmec pieces that give some information about the gods, society or have a bit of writing on them - such as the famous Las Limas Monument 1 - are particularly prized by researchers. Sources: Coe, Michael D and Rex Koontz. Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs. 6th Edition. New York: Thames and Hudson, 2008 Cyphers, Ann. Surgimiento y decadencia de San Lorenzo, Veracruz. Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). P. 30-35. Diehl, Richard A. The Olmecs: Americas First Civilization. London: Thames and Hudson, 2004. Grove, David C. Cerros Sagradas Olmecas. Trans. Elisa Ramirez. Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). P. 30-35. Gonzalez Tauck, Rebecca B. El Complejo A: La Venta, Tabasco Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). p. 49-54.

The World War I And The Rise Of Germany - 801 Words

World War II plays a very important part in the history of the world. It still has effects that we deal with today. So, what events could have possibly started such a monumental world war? Well, the events are: World War I, Great Depression, expansion of imperialism, Versailles Treaty, and the rise of Germany. This was a dangerous chain reaction of events that lead to the devastating effects of the war. What really set the tone for the start World War II was actually the effects World War I itself. What the effects World War I did was set unrest among the European states. It devastated most of the area financially, especially Germany. After the war, scientific advancements greatly increased. One of the most notable scientific advancements was being weapon improvements. After the First World War many nations grew tired, however this didn’t stop Italy and Germany from building up their armies. Britain and France didn’t want to repeat World War I so they wanted to keep the peace through appeasement. Germany however took advantage of this. The Great Depression played a huge part in the start of World War II. War is good for business. It creates jobs and generates wealth. With everyone becoming very poor and needing some sort of hope, the conditions for the growth of fascism was perfect. Because of this, many countries turned into dictatorships. This played a major part in the rise of Hitler who gave them this hope. Some countries like Italy and Japan turned to building anShow MoreRelatedHitler ´s Rise to Power in Post World War I Germany627 Words   |  3 PagesWhen The First World War finally ended on November 11th 1918; Germany were labelled the losers. It was a terrible time however it was very good for extremist parties as people living extreme conditions are more likely to listen to extreme ideas. The Nazi’s were extremes with their leader Adolf Hitler. Hitlers rise to power can’t be pin pointed down to one event but many including; Germany’s economic state, the main factor, that Hitler was a charismatic man and The Treaty of Versailles. Hitler usedRead MorePutzier 1. Tessa Putzier. Ms. Jeanne Bitz . Language Arts.1293 Words   |  6 PagesOf World War Two On June, 28 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed. This treaty coupled with other factors, such as the Nazis rise to power in Germany, Europe’s policy of appeasement, and Germany’s invasion of Poland would lead to - and be direct causes of - World War II. In fact, when French military commander Marshal Foch heard of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, her observed with extreme accuracy - â€Å"This is not Peace. It is an Armistice for 20 years.† (Churchill, 7) World War I officiallyRead MoreThe Causes Of World War Two. On June, 28 1919, The Treaty763 Words   |  4 PagesOf World War Two On June, 28 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed. This treaty coupled with other factors, such as the Nazis rise to power in Germany, Europe’s policy of appeasement, and Germany’s invasion of Poland would lead to - and be direct causes of - World War II. In fact, when French military commander Marshal Foch heard of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, her observed with extreme accuracy - â€Å"This is not Peace. It is an Armistice for 20 years.† (Churchill, 7) World War I officiallyRead MoreA Brief Note On Nazis And The Environment1023 Words   |  5 PagesCourtney Morrison War Environment Professor Yan Gao 2 December 2015 Nazis and the Environment The Nazi party in Germany left behind a legacy of atrocities that included racism, anti-Semitism, and genocide. The appeal of the Nazis relied on problems in Germany following the aftermath of World War I. They examined the different problems Germany faced and the different aspects of their political beliefs, one in particular being their environmental outlook. The Nazi party drew substantial support withRead MoreDid the Treaty of Versailles Promote Hitler to Power846 Words   |  4 PagesTreaty of Versailles is far too simple of an explanation. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended WWI while sanctioning and punishing Germany, forced Germany to pay reparations. These reparations are said to have caused economic challenges in Germany, which allowed Hitler to take control on nationalist fervor. Thus, the story goes, that the Treaty of Versailles made Hitler’s rise to power, and his starting of WWII, inevitable. However, this mode of explanation is a deeply flawed oversimplifica tion. The TreatyRead MoreThe Nazi Regime959 Words   |  4 PagesThe rise of the Nazi regime in Germany in the early part of the 20th century was an impressive, and nearly unforeseen incident that had long-lasting implications on the rest of the Western world. While the Nazi party was extreme in their ideologies, the circumstances in which they came to power were dire; Germany had been crippled by a massive depression and was being forced to pay reparations through the â€Å"Young Plan† which required Germany to pay the Allied forces â€Å"a series of annual payments extendingRead MoreCould the Second World War have been Avoided?1442 Words   |  6 Pagesset in place to avoid a second world war, many things caused it to be inevitable. The Treaty of Versailles, the rise of Hitler, the rise of Japan as a world power, the rise of fascism in Italy and the League of Nations were all factors which contributed to the cause of World War II. The Treaty of Versailles was a peace settlement between Germany and the Allied Powers that officially ended World War I. However, the conditions in the treaty were so harsh on Germany that many believe the Treaty ofRead MoreEconomic and Political Issues that Helped Hitler Rise to Power1618 Words   |  7 Pagespolitical issues in Germany between 1922 and 1932 contribute to Hitlers rise to power? The scope of my research will fall between the years of 1922-1932, the start of Hitler’s attempt to run for office. A variety of primary and secondary sources will be used to answer the question. The bitterness caused upon the change of government systems in Germany will be analyzed, along with his childhood that all primarily drove Hitler to run for power. Then, the harsh effects World War I had on Germany along withRead MoreThe World War I Was Not A Harbinger Of Peace1083 Words   |  5 PagesConcluding World War I was not a Harbinger of Peace The end of World War I was supposed to end all wars, although ultimately, it caused another. The Axis Powers of World War II found that they were majorly defiled by the conclusion of World War I and adjudged that they needed to start another. The three main factors that induced the Axis Powers to start the war were; the Treaty of Versailles, the rise of right-wing activist parties in Germany and the unsuccessfulness of the League of Nations. TheRead MoreAll Quiet On The Western Front1061 Words   |  5 Pagesthe soldiers hope to achieve benefits from the war, such as power, money, and happiness. Most countries do not achieve anything, instead they lose the lives of the soldiers and the stability of their country. World War I was a tragic event for both the countries and the fighting soldiers involved. Countries such as Britain, Germany, France, and the United States in World War I suffered politically, economically, and socially. The soldiers in the war also suffered as shown in Erich Maria Remarque’s

Yellowcard ; Paper Walls free essay sample

Are you ready for an album that will blow your mind away? Between the diversity of sounds and lyrics you will get lost. The album Paper Walls, by Yellowcard, has it all and is definitely worth checking out. Yellowcard is a Click 5 sounding type of band, except no where near as cheesy. They incorporate the sweet high pitched violin into almost all of their songs. Yellowcard is an alternative band. The CD has a nice rhythm and makes you want to relax. All their songs sound original too. You’ll fall in love with every song. Most of their songs are about high school love and breakups, but don’t let that turn you away. â€Å"Dear, Bobbie† is my favorite song, in the beginning an elderly voice is singing and just reflecting on the good times. â€Å"Light Up The Sky† has really good lyrics and makes you want to sing along. We will write a custom essay sample on Yellowcard ; Paper Walls or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The song â€Å"Five Becomes Four† has a really wicked violin solo. Over all Yellowcard is worth checking out. I’m a really picky person when it comes to music, so if I like, I bet you would too.

My favourite hobby free essay sample

A hobby can be almost anything a person like to do in his spare time. Because the Idle Mind is Devils workshop therefore those who have developed a hobby never need to worry about what to do with their newly founded leisure hours. Every person in the world has a hobby of his own. There are many kinds of hobbles such as gardening, stamp collecting, hiking, coin collecting, photography, listening to music and so forth. Girls to pursue some hobbles. Their hobbles dffer from those of the boys. Girls mostly like hobbles such as cooking, stitching dresses, painting and listening to music. Among all the hobbles mentioned above I Ilke palntlng. It Is a subtle hobby. Whenever I get time I sit down with my paint box, canvas, brushes and paint beautiful landscape. My hobby does not Infringe on the rights of other people. It Is not a noisy hobby like music. We will write a custom essay sample on My favourite hobby or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I can also earn money by selling my paintings to lover of fine arts. My hobby fills my heart with joy and colours and there it is my favourite hobby. Everybody has different hobbies that they like to do for fun or just to relax. There are many kind of activities like badminton, basketball, swimming, or baseball. It all depends on each personality. For me, basketball is my favorite hobby because its part of my life and I can not live without it. Since I was a little girl, I started to play basketball in the school team and also with my friends in the neighborhood. My mother told me that I liked kicking the ball around and had so much fun with it when I was only about two years old. Since then, playing basketball is my favorite sport and it is my hobby whenever I have free time. Playing basketball also helps me to relax and be confident when I have stress and rustration. For example, after doing my homework or when I come home from school, I play a little bit with my friends outside of my house or we go to the park, if the weather is nice. Few years ago, there was an inter-school competition. Our team members practised everyday after school for 3 hours from seven till nine Oclock and we slowly got better. During the first round of the competition, we tried our best and worked together, but we were still behind, so we discussed how we should cope with the opponent. Finally, through our tactic, we got the first place. We were pleased of how we worked It out well to win a cup and medal. Whenever I play basketball, I feel healthy and stronger. Besides, I meet new friends from the neighbor. I not only Ilke playing basketball, but I also enjoy watching basketball on television. When I go to the beach, my family and friends would get together to play and we have a lot of fun. Also, during weekends, I would call up my friends to play basketball with me. After the intense games, we would go to the teashop nearby to relax and grab some cold drinks to cool us down from the games