Zapotec Civilization Research Paper

The Zapotec Civilization dates back into the Pre-Classic period and ends at the Classic period (500 BC – 900 BC). They were an Indigenous people. They were originally in Mesoamerica, the Central Valley of Oaxaca to be exact. Where they once inhabited is now a state of present day Mexico. Currently Oaxaca is archaeological evidence, because of all the ancient temples and buildings still standing. Their name comes from the Nahuatl language. Zapotec means, “people of the place of sapote”. The Zapotec people were divided into the three different societies. It was said that the three societies went up against each other. As the population went up, the different classes were more distinct. The types of buildings they created were pyramids,

This religion was performed by many of the Indigenous people of Mesoamerica. They performed rituals for the good being of their lifestyles and well-being. In certain pyramids there were precious jewels and stones and bones that were to represent a dedication to the Gods. They also practiced human rituals. Their religion had both male and female deities; they worshipped a God of rain, thunder and lighting by the name of Cocijo. He was much like the Aztec peoples God Tlaloc. Some of the Gods were Cocijo the God of rain, Coquihani the God of light, and Pita Cazobi the God of Maize. There are much more deities they served and

The Zapotec language was considered the earliest documented writing system in Mesoamerica. They had ways of keeping track of days by a certain calendar. The Zapotecs had another calendar that was used for years; this calendar was used by the Aztecs, Zapotecs and other Indigenous people of Mesoamerica. They had a 365 day calendar that was a solar calendar and a 250 day calendar that was a spiritual or sacred calendar for the Zapotec People. In research that has been done over the Zapotec people it was realized that they were sophisticated in mathematics as well. Such an ancient people were already involved in math way back then. Like many other indigenous people all over the world. The Zapotecs were a smart people. There are images of their calendar system for the days and years