In Mesoamerican archaeology, where does the word "Classic" come from?

Question

In my personal lore I have know that the Classic Period (200 A.D - 900/1000 A.D.) is named after the "Classic" archaeology of Rome and Greece, meaning the peak of civilization. Is this true? If so, please post the references (bibliografical or online) and who introduced the term in Mesoamerica. Thank you!!!!!

Answer 1

the term classic in archaeology refers to the period of time where the achievements of a culture merit the term "classical". In Mesoamerica, this term refers to a period between 200 AD and 1000 AD, but varies from area to area. For example, in the Mexican highlands, the valley of Mexico received two different influences in pottery; one from the NW areas of the Lerma River region of Chupicuaro, which brought in slant-eyed figurines and polychromic pottery with repetative geometric designs and, two (and of more lasting significance) from the east including flat based bowls, Thin Orangeware, nubbin supports, and more negative painting. There was also an idea of making figurines of deities. These two influences along with local idea led to pottery in the style of classical Teotihuacan pottery style. About 200 AD.
In the Maya lowlands, Classic refers to 3 different events that signal the attainment of classic status. 1) polychrome pottery 2)Carved stelae with heiroglyphic inscriptions and initial Series dates, and 3) the spread of stone temples and buildings with corbelled vaulting . About 300 AD
Refer to a classic book, The Aztecs, Maya, and Their Predecessors by Murial Porter Weaver as this is a good general reference to start with any investigation

Answer 2

i don't know why they chose the particular term, but when willey and phillips wrote "method and theory in american archaeology," they introduced the term as one of their five standard terms to apply to any society that was being archaeologically examined in the americas. we don't use it when we're talking about all societies anymore, but we've retained it when talking about mesoamerica and some other societies.

but, i'm not sure what motivated willey and phillips to choose the term "classic." the other four stages were lithic, archaic, formative, [then classic], and post-classic.

i hope that helps somewhat.