4 103 A The south-east @ Among the objects traded into the Maya area were vessels in a fine type of decorated pottery known as Usulutan ware, probably coming from El Salvador. The flourishing culture of this area was bought to an abrupt halt by the devastating eruption of Mount Ilopango in the early centuries AD.
#South-east periphery (Usulutan ware folk), Usulutan ware vessel
1 102 C The Maya @ Major Maya ceremonial centres were emerging whose layout suggests astronomical connections. Stelae (carved monoliths) bore dates representing a complex calendric system. The highland site of Kaminaljuyu, source of fine obsidian (volcanic glass), was particularly prominent. Exotic goods made from materials traded between the diverse Maya regions were often placed in the burials of the emerging elite.
#Maya, Mirador ceremonial centre
2 102 B Monte Alban @ In the 5th century BC a city was founded at Monte Alban in the Oaxaca Valley, formerly a major participant in the Olmec ritual and trade system. It soon dominated not only the valley but also a wide area beyond. Reliefs depicting sacrificed captives are vivid evidence of Monte Alban's military activities.
#Monte Alban, Danzantes figure
3 103 D Teotihuacan @ From around 100 BC, the city of Teotihuacan dominated the Valley of Mexico and was its major population centre. The massive city was the focus of trade and industry; its layout suggests substantial control of its inhabitants' lives by their rulers. Teotihuacan operated an extensive trading empire, probably maintained by military force.