Postclassic period

Definition

The postclassic period refers to the Mesoamerican era that followed the Classic period, roughly spanning from 900 to 1521 CE. This time is marked by significant changes in political organization, social structures, and cultural expressions across Mesoamerica, reflecting the shifts in power dynamics and the rise of new cultural influences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The postclassic period saw a decline in the centralized power structures that characterized the Classic period, leading to more decentralized political entities.
2. During this time, urban centers became smaller and more dispersed, yet trade networks remained vital for economic exchanges.
3. Cultural diffusion increased significantly in the postclassic period as different groups interacted through trade and conquest, leading to shared artistic and religious practices.
4. This era witnessed the rise of the Aztec Empire as a dominant force in Mesoamerica, which heavily influenced the region's culture, economy, and politics.
5. The postclassic period ended with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century, marking a significant turning point in Mesoamerican history.

Review Questions

• How did political organization change during the postclassic period compared to the Classic period?
  • During the postclassic period, political organization shifted from centralized states typical of the Classic period to more fragmented and decentralized forms of governance. Power became distributed among various city-states and regional powers rather than being concentrated under a single ruling entity. This change led to increased competition among local leaders and a greater emphasis on alliances through trade and warfare.
• Discuss the role of trade networks during the postclassic period and their impact on Mesoamerican cultures.
  • Trade networks played a crucial role during the postclassic period by facilitating economic exchanges among various Mesoamerican cultures. Even though urban centers became smaller and more dispersed, these trade routes allowed for the flow of goods, ideas, and cultural practices between different regions. This interaction enriched local traditions and contributed to a shared cultural heritage, ultimately shaping art, religion, and social structures across Mesoamerica.
• Evaluate how the rise of the Aztec Empire during the postclassic period transformed Mesoamerican society and influenced future developments.
  • The rise of the Aztec Empire during the postclassic period had profound effects on Mesoamerican society. The Aztecs established a vast tribute system that integrated various city-states under their influence while promoting a unified cultural identity through religion and ritual practices. Their dominance reshaped political alliances and social hierarchies across the region. Moreover, this transformation set the stage for cultural exchanges and conflicts that would occur upon Spanish contact in the early 16th century, ultimately leading to dramatic changes in Mesoamerican history.

Related terms

Toltec Civilization: A Mesoamerican culture that emerged during the postclassic period, known for its architectural achievements and influence on later civilizations such as the Aztecs.

Aztec Empire: A powerful and expansive empire that rose to prominence in the postclassic period, known for its complex society, military prowess, and tribute system.

Codex: An ancient manuscript in book form, often created by Mesoamerican civilizations, which contains pictorial records, historical accounts, religious texts, and important cultural information.