The Americas and Time Keeping: Crash Course History of Science

The video explores the history of science in Mesoamerican civilizations, focusing on the Maya, Aztec, and Inka. It highlights the Mayan astronomical knowledge, calendar systems, and writing, as well as their agricultural practices. The Aztec and Inkan empires are also discussed, emphasizing their engineering feats and societal structures. The impact of Spanish colonization on these cultures is noted, with a reflection on the loss of historical knowledge.

What were the primary sources of knowledge for ancient Mesoamerican civilizations?

What were the main achievements of the Olmecs in terms of knowledge and culture?

Describe the significance of the Tzolkin calendar in Maya culture.

How did the Maya measure time, and what was the significance of Venus in their calendar system?

How did the Maya's understanding of time differ from that of other ancient civilizations?

What role did agriculture play in the development of Mesoamerican civilizations?

What were the main features of the Aztec agricultural system?

How did the Aztecs utilize their knowledge of astronomy in their society?

What evidence do we have of the complexity of the Inkan civilization despite the lack of a writing system?

In what ways did the Spanish conquest impact the knowledge systems of Mesoamerican civilizations?