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3 possible topic choices. -Aztec Architecture -Art Deco Architecture -Videogame Architecture

Article summary on Muslim masque developments in the Middle East:

This article was well thought out. It is clear that there was effort both in the organization and in the research put into it. I felt like there were some holes to improve on but overall can say that there was not a lack of knowledge. I would have liked to have seen more connections to other cites as to get more information on similar topics.

Citations:

Umberger, Emily. “MATLATZINCO BEFORE THE AZTECS: JOSÉ GARCÃA PAYÓN AND THE SCULPTURAL CORPUS OF CALIXTLAHUACA.” Ancient Mesoamerica; Cambridge, vol. 28, no. 1, 2017, pp. 1–19

Restall, Matthew. “The Aztec Empire: a Surprise Ending?” The Historical Association, no. 134, 2017, pp. 12–17.

Olson, Jan M. “MATERIAL EXPRESSIONS OF WEALTH AND SOCIAL CLASS AT AZTEC-PERIOD SITES IN MORELOS, MEXICO.” Cambridge University Press, vol. 27, no. 1, 2016, pp. 133–147.

Joyce, J. A. “Some Features of Mexican Architecture.” The Burlington Magazine for Connoisseurs, vol. 19, ser. 99, June 1911, pp. 154–163. 99.

Helpful Links http://www.legendsandchronicles.com/ancient-civilizations/the-ancient-aztecs/aztec-architecture/

Modification Ideas

1) architectural styles

- The Aztec civilization was an origin of central Americas, Primarily Mexico. Likewise, The architecture of the ancient Aztec architecture reflects that of the natives' traditions, culture, religion, and everyday life. The ancient Aztecs relied on cosmology, astronomy and religion as the main source of inspirations. Some of the most prominent of features is that of the Aztec temples. The Aztec peoples' main goal was to satisfy the gods. In return, the temples built represented that striving passion.

These temples where terraced pyramids with steep a stairs leading to the main temple. The stairs were representations of ascension to the gods. The sides of the temple were covered with elaborated decorations such as animals and figures of the local mythology. The interiors were painted in vibrant colours and depictions. Most depictions where believed to represent guardians that would ward off evil spirits.

The symbolism of decorations:

Eagle – The eagle was representative of the sun and of warriors

Serpents – Serpents represented water or fire

Conch shell – The Conch shell was an important symbol of fertility

Frogs and sea creatures – Represented Tlaloc Symbols

See further information at http://www.legendsandchronicles.com/ancient-civilizations/the-ancient-aztecs/aztec-architecture/

2) Structural and engineering technologies

-As seen in prior sections, the Aztecs had an advanced knowledge of building techniques. J. A. Joyce, a journalist of The Burlington Magazine for Connoisseurs, states that "The physical geography of Central America was favourable to the rise of the art of building in stone" (159). Aztecs, with only primitive technologies, had a very high intelligence with stone masonry. There was a knowledge of carving stone to construct these massive temples. With that, the Aztecs also had knowledge of brick and mortar. With these very strong combinations, they built the massive structure that withstood the test of time.

At the same time, with the high level of stone masonry, the Aztecs also knew how to properly build on the local geology and terrain. The area that this civilization is located in a warm climate. The soil is soft and is prone to sink. The Aztecs realized this and built strong stone bases for the temples, similar to how a building or house has a foundation layer in modern time. These foundations made sure that the large structures on top of them would not crumble back into the earth. Aztecs can be seen as great engineers for this reason.

3) Uses of structures and civil technologies

- The temples where not the only amazing works of engineering the Aztecs contributed. On top of the importance of the temples and their symbolism, the Aztecs also had a bustling civilization to take care of. They had an advanced knowledge of agriculture and city planning. The ancient Aztecs used gravity to make a running water system, bringing fresh water to the city grid. They also were masters at terracing and tempering the land to the benefits needed.

Emily Umberger, a researcher at the University of Arizona, stated that "the land itself was to provide an outlet for the Basin’s growing population and to provide an area of dependable agricultural support" (4). As prior said the Aztecs were masters of changing this land that they possessed to benefit the well-being of the civilization.

4) Importance and connection of buildings to Aztec culture and traditions - From the artworks, temples, cultural contributions, and even the common household, the architectural style of the Aztecs always represented a higher power. The Aztecs believed in a religion known as Mesoamerican. This had aspects of human sacrifice. With that, the Aztecs designed their buildings to be functional for everyday life, as well as their religious practices.

The temples were designed as an ascending experience. There where multiple torn levels, all different in classes. At the top was the main temple. The idea of ascension was to prepare one's self so that the gods would be pleased when arriving at the top. At the top was where the practices took place. This was so the Aztecs could be closest to the gods, as possible as to please them.

As for the households, they were more simple yet uniform to the rest of the civilization. The Aztecs did not want a mismatched civilization. This may displease the gods in the eyes of the Aztecs. Houses could be one to two stories tall and were for all classes. Priests were the only ones with access to the temples.

5) The demise of civilization and why -Sadly with all the beautiful and cultural contributions the Aztecs made, the empire had finally come to its demise. Matthew Restall, a researcher of The Historical Association, put it this way. "Our general assumption is that the very nature of the Aztec Empire, its morbid and fatalistic obsession with human sacrifice, made its moral underpinnings and political structure weak, and made it vulnerable to rapid conquest by confident Spanish conquistadors wielding with equal intensity both the steel sword and the Catholic faith" (12). With the installation of the conquistadors, the Aztecs, along with many other civilizations, fell to a more technologically advanced system. This left these amazing ruins of Aztec Architecture left to be discovered.

6) The sites of art and culture through tradition

- As is already known, the Aztecs had rich traditions. They expressed it not only through their architecture, but their art as well. Sculptures and depictions of traditions, gods, local creatures, and much more decorated the streets and building sides. Much of this artwork is local to Northern and central Mexico. The influence of this art can be seen as far as Utah in the United States. This shows the influence of the Aztecs at the time. These artworks are primarily preserved in museums at this point, but some still exist on site.

7) Differences between 3rd class, 2nd class, 1st class within the society

-One of the staple examples of any civilization is the separation of classes. As most civilizations do today, the Aztecs had this concept throughout their culture. As previously stated, the highest one could get in the Aztec social class was that of priesthood. This would give access to the temples and richer quarters of the civilizations. The richer where around the temples and it spread out as the civilization went out. The first circle was first class. The Second, middle class. The Third, lower class. Jan Marie Olson, a writer of Cambridge University Press, states that "this line of Aztec class analysis posits major differences in wealth, power and status leading to significant lifestyle differences between nobles and commoners" (133). Both the rich and the poor lived among each other, as religion brought the civilization together, but each class had different roles.