Pacopampa, a term derived from Quechua meaning “paqu pampa,” is an archaeological site of monumental importance located in the northern highlands of Peru, specifically within the department of Cajamarca. This site, dating from 1200 to 500 BC, showcases the remains of a ceremonial center constructed from cut and polished stone, marking it as a significant location from the Formative period of pre-Columbian history.
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Iñaq Uyu
Iñaq Uyu, also known by various spellings such as Iñac Uyu, Iñac Uyo, and Iñakuyu, represents a significant archaeological site located on the Isla de la Luna in Lake Titicaca, Bolivia. This site, also referred to as Aklla Wasi, holds a profound historical and cultural importance within the Incan civilization, dating back to the period between 1000 C.E. and 1500 C.E. The name Iñaq Uyu, deriving from the Aymara language, translates to “pen of the iñaqa, the woman of the noble caste of the Incas,” indicating its association with the noble and aristocratic women of the Inca society
Common Maya Words Glossary
This glossary offers a window into the profound and intricate world of the Maya civilization, a culture renowned for its remarkable achievements in astronomy, architecture, agriculture, and art. Spanning from the Preclassic period through the Postclassic era, the Maya developed a complex society across Mesoamerica, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate and inform. The terms included in this glossary, ranging from “Ajau” to “Zenith Tube,” encapsulate the breadth of Maya knowledge and their relationship with the cosmos, the natural environment, and the spiritual realm. Each entry not only provides a definition but also reflects the cultural significance and the underlying principles that guided the Maya people. Through this exploration of Maya words and their meanings, we gain insights into their sophisticated calendrical systems, religious beliefs, and daily practices, offering a deeper understanding of a civilization that has left an indelible mark on human history.
The Maya Calendar System
The Maya civilization, renowned for its advanced knowledge in astronomy and mathematics, developed one of the most sophisticated and accurate calendar systems in human history. This system, rooted in the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, particularly the Olmec, served both practical and ceremonial purposes. It comprises several calendars measuring time periods of varying lengths, based on solar, planetary, and human cycles. The Maya calendar system includes the Haab, a 365-day solar calendar; the Tzolk’in, a 260-day sacred calendar; the Calendar Round, a 52-year cycle; and the Long Count calendar, used for chronological dating of mythical and historical events.
Pierre de Couhard (Couhard Pyramid)
The Couhard Pyramid, an ancient edifice that has stood the test of time, is a remarkable structure located near the ancient necropolis of “Champ des Urnes” in Autun, a commune in Saône-et-Loire, France. This pyramid, which majestically overlooks the town of Autun, is believed to have been constructed in the 1st century AD. Its presence near one of the large necropolises of the Roman city of Augustodunum, the ancient name for Autun, hints at its probable function as a funerary monument. Despite its long history, the pyramid’s true purpose and the identity of those it commemorates remain subjects of much speculation and debate.
Zirahuato Pyramids (San Felipe de los Alzati)
San Felipe de los Alzati stands as a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. This significant archaeological site, located atop the Zirahuato hill and its surrounding mountains, served as a crucial surveillance and protection post for the Purépecha territory, marking the border with the Mexica. Populated by the OtomÃes and their allies, San Felipe de los Alzati flourished from the 8th to the 15th centuries AD, embodying the cultural and architectural essence of the matlatzinca culture, which also settled in the Toluca valley.