11. Olmecs in Mexico (1500 - 400 BC)
Olmecs were the first civilization in Mexico. They are famous for their large stone head
sculptures. They also built a large pyramid. Not much is known of their culture
12. Teotihuacan (0-600 AD)
Teotihuacan was the largest city in central Mexico for many centuries based on corn.The
inhabitants were the first to build stepped pyramids and worship the feathered serpent
God, Quetzalcoatl. Not much is known of their history or why they abandoned the city
Quetzalcoatl
13. Other Pre-Columbian Cultures
Classic Veracruz Mixtec 1050 - 1521
Zapotec 700 -1521 AD
Monte Albán
Mitla
El Tajin
Tarahumara Cholula Pyramid
Historic Image
14. Toltecs (900 -1168 AD)
The Toltecs migrated from the north into the Valley of Mexico. They established an empire
with its capital in Tula, They had a ruler called Ce Acatl Topilzen who abolished human
sacrifice. He was forced out by priests and fled to the Yucatan where he was known as
Kukulkan. The Toltec Empire had disappeared by the time the Aztecs arrived.
Tula Tula
Ce Acatl Topilzin
15. Mayan Civilization (250 - 1000AD)
The most famous Mayan city is Chichen Itza (600-900) It is famous for its
Pyramids, Cenote, and Chac Mool. Chocolate originated with the Maya.
Main Pyramid used for Religion Chac Mool
Cenote Well Ball Court
Chocolate
17. Aztecs (1325 - 1519 AD)
The Aztecs built an empire in central Mexico that was destroyed by the Spanish led by Cortez in 1519. The Aztecs had
never seen horses, guns, or iron swords. They also had no immunity to European diseases. The Aztecs practiced
human sacrifice which made them unpopular with their subjects. Tenochtitlan, their capital was built on an island in
lake where Mexico City is now. It had many pyramids which were all destroyed by the Spanish. Tomatoes and corn
(maize) were first cultivated in Mexico. The Florentine Codex provided a deep description of Aztec society.
Tenochtitlan Aztec Empire
Cortez invading Tenochtitlan
Tomato
Maize
Florentine Codex
Cortez
29. Catholic Church in Mexico
Our Lady of Guadeloupe
de Landa De Las Casas
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Significance
Mexico City Cathedral de Sahagún
37. Central American Cuisine
Mixtas - Guatemala Pollo en Crema - El Salvador Pinto - Costa Rica
Fiambre - Guatemala Casados - Costa Rica
Pupusa - El Salvador
Baleadas - Honduras Curtido - El Salvador Carimañola - Panama
Cuisine Overview