Blog HW #2

The early classical era is one of my favorite times because of the architecture and the details in pottery that were made during these civilizations in Mesoamerica. I find the architecture for gathering ceremonies is beautiful and detailed. It is very important to also recognize that on these pieces of architecture in a very large scale. The dominance of corn is important to note because in Mesoamerica, corn was worshiped as it was the primary influence for food source. I find it interesting how important corn is in our everyday lives now. I don’t think our generation realizes how corn is used in all products. If you look at nutrition facts, you will notice corn syrup in almost every good at the grocery store. To add, I don’t think everyone realizes how much corn we feed our livestock to keep us eating meat.

Another important part of the Pre Classic Era knows that the Olmec civilization flourished. I have always been astonished with sites such as La Venta and the big stone heads.  

I found it interesting how much the Greek arts flourished in this era. Zeus and the Poseidon brought a new kind of insight to human figure and we can infer that it created an abstract meaning. 

In Africa, it was interesting to note the importance of the Nubian Civilization that is located along the southern Nile river which is south of Egypt. The Nubian Civilization had close contact with Egyptians where they would trade goods which sometimes caused conflicts and warfare between the two. This was also a great example of how the separation of wealth from goods affected the societies. There have been discoveries of Kings that were mummified and buried with beautiful jewelry and pottery originating from Egypt. Both of these civilizations also had similar potteries. The representations and well belongings of the kings showed a civilization of monarchy based power/government. There is also proof that civilizations migrated to different parts of Africa to settle in less crowded areas, like the Bantu civilization.

I thought it was interesting how the Neolithic era is also called the new Stone Age. It really struck me how important agriculture and animal domestication was during this era. Because I’m taking a biology class right now, it is important for me to understand the importance of farming and our biodiversity. I learned through the reading that during this area seeds and agriculture played a great part into survival. It is important to note this because this was the noted first time that plants were being domesticated for the survival of it’s people. I thought it was important to note this information because this form of agriculture we can say influences other civilizations, and can be seen throughout the world.

What I also found that was important and was mentioned in the reading was the use of flint and productions of materials. The flint was used for making tools that were strong and sturdy. This really got me thinking on how much tools have evolved from where they started.

I’ve always been interested on how important women’s roles were during different eras. As I gathered information, I learned that woman were a vital for plant gathering. Irrigation systems were also run by woman who helped control the planting.

I am very interested in the first known civilizations. It was a refresher for me to remind myself that the first known civilization was the Olmec. I took a lot of anthropology and art of Latin America and it is cool to know that there is a replica of an Olmec head on campus. My former instructed, Edgar Torres also discovered a Mayan artifact while he was doing anthropological research in Central America. I think it is very important to realize all of the small discoveries that the ancient people made that have influenced and shaped our future today.

Yay-I'm done!