Analyzing Civilizations of Latin America

Civilizations of Latin America

Human beings have always expressed themselves through culture; throughout history. The achievements made are a product of continued refinement over the ages. They are an inherited product of a diverse modified and complex evolution from the past through time. The Latin American case is a complex one. There is plenty of diversity exemplified but there are contradictions too. The complication arises from the fact that there is a remarkable cultural diversity in the vast continent; spanning Patagonia to Mesoamerica and from the past to modern day. The Latin American region has been full of controversies, disagreements, legends and mysteries that show the reasons why the continent should exist despite great pressure mounted by the West[footnoteRef:1]. In order to understand our existence as unique people, and for a clear coexistence attitude embedded in a social fabric, we must study, live and imagine the cultural orientations of Latin America. [1: Kahn, J.S. El concepto de cultura: Textos fundamentales. ]

Research Problem

The culture and civilization of Latin America is dynamic. It is also not possible to summarize it. An interdisciplinary method aimed at the overlaps of gender, social class, and even race within the context of the culture of the population here needs to define and document the diversity and richness of the Latin American people along with their civilization.

Research Objectives

Historical accounts of early civilization, including the early pre-Columbian civilization among the Olmec, Aztech, and Zapotech, the Teotihuacan lay emphasis on cultural achievements, social life, world view, religion and political set ups so as to show the richness and diversity inherent in the life of Amerindians prior to the conquest by the Spanish.

Literature Review

The Maya

One of the most conspicuous symbols of Latin civilizations was built in the jungles of Central America and Mexico; thanks to the Maya. The community was among the first civilizations to internalize the mathematical idea of zero. They formed a calendar of 365 days by observing the sun's movement. They also developed the 260 sacred-days calendar. The Maya are also the ones credited with the hieroglyphics writing system[footnoteRef:2]. [2: Serena Nanda. Antropologia cultural. Adaptaciones socioculturales.]

The Aztec

This group reigned supreme in Mexico between 1200s and 1500s. They set up their capital city in a place called Technotitlan. It is in the middle of L. Texcoco. The nature and topography of Texcoco acted as a barrier against external attack. Most of the island was marshy though[footnoteRef:3]. It was not possible to conduct farming activities there. The ancient civilization reared crops on what has been referred to as floating gardens (chinampas). [3: Lu's Navarrete Orta. Literatura e ideas en la Historia hispanoamericana.]

The Inca

The Inca set base in the high mountains of Andes. They constructed terraces of stone and farmed on steep mountains. They built irrigation tunnels in the desert to provide their crops with water. The community is also credited with the building of stone roads. This is also the civilization that developed a system of communication that allowed for passing of messages by relay runners. It is observed that these teams carried messages as far away as 150 miles. The Inca territory spanned several thousand miles. The system of communication was important for the community for effective administration. The community did not have any knowledge of the wheel or written language[footnoteRef:4]. Cortez captured the Aztech territory and put it under Spain's jurisdiction. Latin America and the Spanish interacted and influenced each other's cultural fabric. Most of the interaction they experienced was through the Columbian Exchange. [4: Ibid]

Methodology