MESOAMERICAN Meaning and
Definition
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Mesoamerican is an adjective used to describe the cultures, civilizations, and geographical region of ancient and pre-Columbian America that encompassed parts of present-day Mexico and Central America. The term "Mesoamerican" is derived from the Greek words "mesos," meaning middle or center, and "America."
In a historical and cultural context, Mesoamerican refers to the indigenous peoples and societies that thrived in this region before the arrival of Europeans, dating back to around 2000 BCE. This broad definition includes notable civilizations such as the Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, Toltec, and Aztec.
Mesoamerican civilizations were characterized by their advanced agriculture, including the cultivation of maize (corn), as well as their sophisticated knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, architecture, and art. They built elaborate cities, temples, and pyramids, and developed complex political and social systems. These civilizations left behind impressive architectural ruins, intricate codices, and artwork that provide valuable insights into their beliefs, rituals, and daily lives.
The Mesoamerican region boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage, steeped in mythology, religious beliefs, and practices. Rituals and ceremonies played a vital role in their societies and often involved human sacrifices. Their system of writing, known as hieroglyphs, was used to record historical events, religious rituals, and astronomical observations.
Today, the term "Mesoamerican" is often used to refer to the cultural and historical heritage of this region, as well as the study and understanding of the ancient civilizations that once thrived there.
Common Misspellings for MESOAMERICAN
Etymology of MESOAMERICAN
The word "Mesoamerican" is a compound term that combines "Meso-" and "American".
The prefix "Meso-" comes from the Greek word "mesos" meaning "middle" or "between". In this context, it refers to the geographical region of Mesoamerica, which is located between the northern and southern parts of the American continent.
The term "American" is derived from the Latin name "Americus", which is the Latinized version of the name of the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. Vespucci's voyages to the New World in the early 16th century led to the realization that the lands discovered by Christopher Columbus were not part of Asia, but a distinct continent. Subsequently, the continent was named "America" in his honor.
Therefore, the word "Mesoamerican" signifies the region in the middle part of the American continent.
Similar spelling words for MESOAMERICAN
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