Middle Formative period
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The Middle Formative period in Mesoamerican history, spanning from 900 to 300 BCE, saw the development of settled village life and the beginnings of more complex societal structures. While cultures in central Mexico, such as those in the Valley of Mexico, were characterized by simple villages and plain pottery, evidence suggests the emergence of ceremonial pyramid construction at sites like Cuicuilco.1
Olmec influence, seen in figurines and ceramics, was present in some Middle Formative sites, indicating cultural exchange. This period also saw the diffusion of a distinctive hard, white pottery and solid figurines with large eyes, marking a horizon that helped archaeologists link different cultures across Mesoamerica. Agriculture, primarily corn farming supplemented by hunting, formed the basis of subsistence.21
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Mesoamerican civilizationThe period known as the Middle Formative (900–300 bce), during which the La Venta urban complex rose and flourished, was one of increased cultural regionalism. The Zapotec people, for example, attained a high level of development at Monte Albán, producing the first writing and written
Read MoreThe period known as the Middle Formative (900–300 bce), during which the La Venta urban complex rose and flourished, was one of increased cultural regionalism. The Zapotec people, for example, attained a high level of development at Monte Albán, producing the first writing and written
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MexicoEarly, Middle, and Late Formative periodsThe Middle Formative Period was a time of transition from simple agricultural village to more-complex societies organized around politico-religious capitals, possibly including densely populated towns. Although these and other societies must have built numerous structures of wood, reeds, and thatch—materials widely available in the surrounding forests—these…
Read MoreThe Middle Formative Period was a time of transition from simple agricultural village to more-complex societies organized around politico-religious capitals, possibly including densely populated towns. Although these and other societies must have built numerous structures of wood, reeds, and thatch—materials widely available in the surrounding forests—these…
Read More