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
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
Tlachihualtepetl (Great Pyramid of Cholula)
Nahuatl
Quetzalcoatl
The Mixtecs
The Mixtecs lived primarily in southern Mexico during the Post-Classic period
Important terms and concepts
Screenfold codex
Mixtec
Ancient Maya
Codex Nuttal (Tonindeye)
Madrid Codex
Pictographs
Pectoral
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
Important names
The Triple Alliance
Mexica (Aztecs)
Tlaloc
Aztlan
Huitzilopochtli
Important terms and concepts
Lake Texcoco
Tenochtitlan
Chinampas
Axolotl
Featherworks
Amanteca
Huey Tlatoani
Labret
Pantheon
Skull rack (tzompantli
Human Sacrifice
Cuauhxicalli
Atl-tlachinolli (warfare symbol)
The Spanish Viceroyalty of New Spain
Learn more what happens to Mesoamerican cultures after the waves of Spanish invasions and conquest
Related Resources
The Aztecs—Mesoamerica
Bring the Aztec world to life!
This informational text/reading covers the Aztec migration, Tenochtitlan, chinampas, social organization, religion, writing, and more. It is a beautifully illustrated, full-color PDF—similar to a textbook chapter.
Includes: a bibliography, links to free short videos, discussion questions, short answer questions, and a multiple-choice and true-false quiz. Answer keys included.
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