Ancient Cities of Mesoamerica
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Prepare to embark on a tour of some of the great cities of ancient Mexico and Central America. Using a series of famous archaeological sites to explore important institutions of Mesoamerican civilization, we will discuss: El Mirador, the massive Preclassic site where Rick is currently working; conquest and early urbanism at Monte Alban; Teotihuacan, Mesoamerica's first true city; Mayan writing and political history at Tikal, Copan, and Calakmul; and Tenochtitlan, the great island capital of the Aztec Empire. We will use these important centers from across Mesoamerica to examine commonalities in Mesoamerican culture, including aspects of economy, and relationships between warfare and religion. We will also emphasize connections between centers, both within and across cultural boundaries.