Meso-American Pyramids
Curated by: Gabby
Curated by: Gabby
Omlec Head Round About: image #1
The Olmecs were the first people of Mesoamerica to build pyramids. The development of pyramids in Mesoamerica by the Olmec civilization had a significant impact in that it was a central hub for religious aspects of their lives. The development of pyramids in Mesoamerica began around 1200 BCE. Mesoamerican pyramids were called ¨stepped pyramids¨ because they had a steep stairway ascending to a platform that was only opened to priests in order to perform religious rituals. Over time there has been evidence of pyramids in Mesoamerica storing tombs of kings and priests. There is also evidence of Mesoamericans using pyramids as a military defense in city states. This is doable because Mesoamerican pyramids commonly consisted of earth mounds covered in stone. The Olmec civilization built pyramids using a core base of rubble and earth, strong walls to hold the structure, and then covered layers of stucco and limestone all over. Overall the Olmec civilization built pyramids to ensure divine structure from the gods by performing ceremonial practices.
3d Model of La Venta : Image #2
La Venta:
La Venta was the Olmec civilization capital in Mesoamerica. La Venta was a large activity center located near the Gulf coast in Tabasco, Mexico from 800-400 BC. The political and religious activities that went on in La Venta influenced the rise of social development over time.
Pyramids Impact:
The Olmec civilization had a great impact on later civilizations' cultural growth. Such as the indigenous people of Mesoamerica, the Mayans. The Mayans began to flourish in architecture around 100-900 CE. The Mayans settled in Southern Mexico, Guatemala, and northern Belize. Sooner than later they began to build sanctuaries, and by 200 CE they developed into cities with pyramids and temples. Just like the Olmec civilization, they too used limestone as a building stone. The Mesoamerican culture also had an influence on the temple mounds placed in the eastern United states. Based on the temple structure and groups of four around the plaza scholars came to the conclusion that temple mounds in eastern United States are connected to Mesoamericans. Due to eastern United States having similar art and mound concepts, scholars believe both were adapted by migration of people in Mesoamerica.
8 Interesting Facts on Mesoamerican Pyramids:
Mesoamerica had an abundance of pyramids in Olmec, Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations.
The building of pyramids in Mesoamerica dates back to 1200 BC up until the early 16th century.
Each time a new ruler would take place in Latin America a pyramid would get rebuilt over a pre-existing pyramid because Mesoamericans believed it reaffirmed the king's relationship with the gods.
Pyramids were built on high ground to protect from flooding.
Pyramids were also built on high ground because Mesoamericans believed it ensured them a more sacred connection to their gods.
Mesoamericans built pyramids with the intention to have the presence of their gods dwell in it.
All of Mesoamericans culture share a belief that mountains were a place of devotion, therefore pyramid structures were influenced by mountains with them being a pyramidal structure.
The downfall of the Maya civilization after 900 CE, led to pyramids being fled with a thicket of jungle vegetation.
More Intresting Related Sources:
La Venta, Mexico- For more in depth information on La Venta.
Moutains for the gods- To see the comparison and similiarities between Mesoamerica and Mespotamia pyramids.
Mesoamerican Artitecture- The roots of Mesoamerica´s first civilization and the impact.