Late Formative period
Quick Summary
The Late Formative period in Mesoamerica, roughly from 300 BCE to 100 CE, saw the crystallization of tendencies that had been developing for centuries. This era was characterized by increasing cultural regionalism, though Olmec influence remained detectable in many areas.1
Key developments included:
* Settled Life and Population Growth: Fully settled life was established, with growing populations inhabiting hamlets, villages, and small towns across both highland and lowland regions.1
* Intensified Agriculture: Advanced agricultural practices, such as irrigation and chinampas (floating gardens) in the highlands, and slash-and-burn supplemented by raised fields in the lowlands, supported these populations.1
* Urban Development: The highlands, in particular, demonstrated greater demographic potential, leading to more extensive urban developments.1
* Trade and Markets: Interregional exchange of goods fostered large, well-regulated markets, with cacao beans often used as currency.1
* Artisan Production: High agricultural productivity supported a class of artisans who created advanced stone architecture, including stepped pyramids, and developed sophisticated styles in sculpture, pottery, and painting.1
* Intellectual Systems: Complex calendrical systems, combining a 260-day ritual cycle with a 365-day solar year, were central to religious life and astronomical knowledge.1
While the Classic period that followed saw the fulfillment of these tendencies, the Late Formative laid the groundwork for major civilizations like the Maya and Teotihuacán.2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Mesoamerican civilizationIn the subsequent Late Formative and Classic periods, lasting until about 700–900 ce, the well-known Maya, Zapotec, Totonac, and Teotihuacán civilizations developed distinctive variations on their shared Olmec heritage. The Maya, for example, brought astronomy, mathematics, calendar making, and
Read MoreIn the subsequent Late Formative and Classic periods, lasting until about 700–900 ce, the well-known Maya, Zapotec, Totonac, and Teotihuacán civilizations developed distinctive variations on their shared Olmec heritage. The Maya, for example, brought astronomy, mathematics, calendar making, and
Read More
Nakbe…the period known as the Late Formative, or Late Pre-classic (300 bc–ad 100), the huge stone pyramids, temples, and other relatively tall buildings characteristic of the construction at Nakbe have been radiocarbon-dated to 600–400 bc (corresponding to the Middle Formative), a period previously believed to have been characterized by simple…
Read More…the period known as the Late Formative, or Late Pre-classic (300 bc–ad 100), the huge stone pyramids, temples, and other relatively tall buildings characteristic of the construction at Nakbe have been radiocarbon-dated to 600–400 bc (corresponding to the Middle Formative), a period previously believed to have been characterized by simple…
Read More
MexicoEarly, Middle, and Late Formative periodsThe Late Formative Period saw the spread of complex societies throughout much of Middle America. Hieroglyphics and complex calendrical calculations appeared. These elements of civilization are first noted in association with the Tres Zapotes, Izapan, and early Oaxacan art styles. The true city or urban centre…
Read MoreThe Late Formative Period saw the spread of complex societies throughout much of Middle America. Hieroglyphics and complex calendrical calculations appeared. These elements of civilization are first noted in association with the Tres Zapotes, Izapan, and early Oaxacan art styles. The true city or urban centre…
Read More