0% found this document useful (0 votes)

2K views4 pages

Development of Science in Mesoamerica

The document discusses the scientific achievements of civilizations in Mesoamerica, including the Maya, Aztec, and Inca. The Maya had advanced astronomical knowledge and developed accurate calendars. They incorporated astronomy into their architecture and used astrological cycles for agriculture. The Aztec contributed innovations in education, medicine, agriculture, and calendars. The Inca engineered advanced infrastructure projects and developed quipus for record keeping. Mesoamerican civilizations demonstrated significant scientific and technological abilities prior to European arrival.

Uploaded by

Paulo Delada jr

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

0% found this document useful (0 votes)

2K views4 pages

Development of Science in Mesoamerica

Uploaded by

Paulo Delada jr

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

You are on page 1/ 4

Mesoamerica includes the entire area of Central America from Southern Mexico up to the border of

South America. There is no doubt that the Mesoamerican region is rich in culture and knowledge prior
to the arrival of its European colonizers.

The Maya civilization is one of the famous civilizations that lasted for approximately 2,000 years. These
people are known for their works in astronomy. They incorporated their advanced understanding of
astronomy into their temples and other religious structures. This allows them to use their temples for
astronomical observation. For example, the pyramid at Chichén Itzá in Mexico is situated at the location
of the Sun during the spring and fall equinoxes.

Mayan knowledge and understanding about celestial bodies was advanced for their time, as evidenced
by their knowledge of predicting eclipse and using astrological cycles in planting and harvesting. The
Mayans are also known for measuring time using two complicated calendar systems. These calendars
were very useful for their life especially in planning their activities and in observing their religious rituals
and cultural celebrations.

The Mayans also developed the technology for growing different crops and building elaborate cities
using ordinary machineries and tools. They built hydraulics system with sophisticated waterways to
supply water to different communities.

Furthermore, they in the used field various of arts. tools The and Mayans adapt built themselves looms
for to

innovations especially weaving cloth and devised a rainbow of glittery paints made from a mineral called
mica. They are also believed to be one of the first people to produce rubber products 3,000 years before
Goodyear received its patentin1844

The Mayans are considered one of the most scientifically advanced societies in Mesoamerica. They are
also famous as one of the world's first civilizations to use a writing system known as the Mayan
hieroglyphics. They were also skilled in mathematics and created a number system based on the
numeral 20. Moreover, they independently developed the concept of zero and positional value, even
before the Romans did.

The Inca civilization is also famous in Mesoamerica. The Incas made advanced scientific ideas
considering their limitations as an old civilization. The following were scientific ideas and tools that they
developed to help them in everyday life:
The Inca civilization is also famous in Mesoamerica. The Incas made advanced scientific ideas
considering their limitations as an old civilization. The following were scientific ideas and tools that they
developed to help them in everyday life:

1. roads paved with stones;

2. stone buildings that surmounted earthquakes and other disasters;

3. irrigation system and technique for storing water for their crops to grow in all types of land;

4. calendar with 12 months to mark their religious festivals and prepare them for planting season;

5. the first suspension bridge;

6. quipu, a system of knotted ropes to keep records that only experts can interpret; and

7. Inca textiles since cloth was one of the specially prized artistic achievements.

Following the Inca, the Aztec civilization has also made substantial contributions to science and
technology and to the society as a whole. Some of their contributions are the following:

1. Mandatory education. The Aztec puts value on education; that is why their children are
mandated to get education regardless of their social class, gender, or age. It is an early form of
universal or inclusive education.
2. Chocolates. The Aztec in Mexico developed chocolate during their time. In the Mayan culture,
they used it as currency. The Aztec valued the cacao beans highly and made it as part of their
tribute to their gods.
3. Antispasmodic medication. They used a type of antispasmodic medication that could prevent
muscle spasms and relax muscles, which could help during surgery.
4. Chinampa. It is a form of Aztec technology for agricultural farming in which the land was divided
into rectangular areas and surrounded by canals.
5. Aztec calendar. This enabled them to plan their activities, rituals, and planting season.
6. Invention of the canoe. A light narrow boat used for traveling in watersystems.
CRADLES OF EARLY SCIENCE