Cultural achievements of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations

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.]

Methodology

The completion of this paper will be done through literature review of materials available connected with the subject. Lecture notes and discussion will also be used to reinforce research work. Further, there will be museum visits and documentary films added to the central body of content drawn from library research. Librarians and lecturers will be part of information resource bases for the researcher[footnoteRef:5]. [5: Leopoldo Zea, La esencia de lo americano]

Expected Findings and Discussion

The findings of the research will detail the evolution of various civilizations, legal systems and religions in Latin America. The paper will span the topic sufficiently and give a detailed analysis of the various civilizations in Latin America. There will be a complete coverage of the cultural scope. All the extant civilization groups in Latin America will be discussed. Finally, the temporal extent will be cross examined, beginning with the distant past and stretching to the present day.