Later Mesoamerica
The Epiclassic and Post-Classic periods
c. 650–1520 CE
Discover Mesoamerica’s rich artistic heritage after 650 CE, from the ancient Maya to the Aztec civilizations.
The art and histories of later Mesoamerica include Mixtec screenfold manuscripts, the Post-Classic International Style, and the Aztec Empire
What is Mesoamerica?
Meaning “Middle America,” Mesoamerica is a cultural region that includes Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica
Later Maya
The Maya at Chichén Itzá and elsewhere in the Post-Classic offer exciting opportunities to talk about contact, cultural complexity, and trade
VIDEO: What is a tzompantli? | The skull racks at the Aztec Templo Mayor and Maya Chichén Itzá
Important terms and concepts
Tzompantli (skull rack)
Human sacrifice
Ballgame
Toltecs and Cholula
The influence of the Toltecs was felt across Central Mexico, and Cholula rose to become an important pilgrimage destination
Important terms and concepts
Pyramid
Cholula
Tlachihualtepetl (Great Pyramid of Cholula)
Nahuatl
Quetzalcoatl
The Mixtecs
The Mixtecs lived primarily in southern Mexico during the Post-Classic period
VIDEO: What is a Mesoamerican screenfold? | The Codex Tonindeye and Madrid Codex
VIDEO: What is a pectoral? | A Mixtec pectoral from Tomb 7 at Monte Albán
Important terms and concepts
Screenfold codex
Mixtec
Ancient Maya
Codex Nuttal (Tonindeye)
Madrid Codex
Pictographs
Pectoral
atlatl (spearthrower)
The Mexica (Aztecs)
More popularly known as the Aztecs, the Mexica rose to power in Central Mexico in the 14th century and controlled a powerful empire from their capital of Tenochtitlan
VIDEO: Aztec Featherworks
VIDEO: Sun Stone (“Calendar Stone”)
VIDEO: What is a cuauhxicalli? | An Aztec jaguar example
VIDEO: What is the atl-tlachinolli symbol? | An Aztec war sign
The Spanish Viceroyalty of New Spain
Learn more what happens to Mesoamerican cultures after the waves of Spanish invasions and conquest
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