Rise of Civilization in Mesoamerica and Andean South America Essay

Rise of Civilization in Mesoamerica and Andean South America - Essay Example Monuments with hieroglyphic texts were constructed and ceremonial centers had outstanding artistic developments. The Post Classic period extended from A.D. 950 to 1521, local governments were divided into branches for different purposes and directed towards commercial activities. Great houses with many and large rooms were constructed serving purposes of royal ceremonies and host to long distance alliances, each of these buildings had a sophisticated level of art and craft impressions. Traders and craftsmen were involved in the competition for entry into exclusive exchange networks that they sought the rarest and most exotic materials for their gifts. Smelting of gold, silver and copper was introduced in Central and South America. As pointed out by Gonzales, Merchants and Artisans only made up a small percentage of the Mesoamerican population but had a great impact that led to an extensive trading network (17). The Andean region of South America is also significant in the rise of ear ly intricate societies. The Andean people had their own distinct cultures different from other people in the world. Before invasion of Peru by Spain in 1532, western South America was inhabited by different High Mountain and desert coastal societies. These people had unique artistic and technological achievements which is the reason behind the name Andean Civilization by modern observers. South American territories were controlled by the Inca and were spread over Ecuador, Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina; they were all part of a state called Tawantinsuyu which means the ‘Realm of the Four Parts’. The Inca began as a tribe in 1200 B.C., after defeating neighboring Andean tribes founded the Inca Empire. It was the most powerful civilization in South America. An existing... The Andean region of South America is also significant in the rise of early intricate societies. The Andean people had their own distinct cultures different from other people in the world. Before the invasion of Peru by Spain in 1532, western South America was inhabited by different High Mountain and desert coastal societies. These people had unique artistic and technological achievements which are the reason behind the name Andean Civilization by modern observers. South American territories were controlled by the Inca and were spread over Ecuador, Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina; they were all part of a state called Tawantinsuyu which means the ‘Realm of the Four Parts’. The Inca began as a tribe in 1200 B.C., after defeating neighboring Andean tribes founded the Inca Empire. It was the most powerful civilization in South America. An existing indication of the social unity of the Andean people is the Quechua language which is still used by millions of people from North Ecuador and North Argentina. The Incas were great warriors and shrewd rulers. They exchanged gifts with neighboring tribes, intermarried and formed political alliances. Their populations were large in numbers and their administrative and economic systems were established in all their regions. Inca civilization had reached great feats in architecture; they constructed buildings with fine cut stones eliminating the need for mortar. They melted gold and silver and were in fact very famous for their gold.