Mena: Athen wasnt the only democratic city state in Ancient history. The Ibo state in West Africa, many ancient Indian states and the Iroquois confederation whose constitution inspired the USA constitutions had a democratic system of government. Archaeologist discovered a democratic senate in the city of Taxlatan. The future senators were initiated like in a old mystery system by being beaten, starved and humiliated by the people.
Archaeologists find evidence of ancient democratic senates in Mexico (and the brutal two-year 'hazing' it took to join them) Ancient Mesoamerican city of Tlaxcallan had a senate of roughly 100 men Candidates subjected to starvation, fierce public beatings, and years of study Researchers also note that the grid-like structure suggests collective lifestyle
A grid-like setup could be seen throughout the city, with little signs of a clear hierarchy – unlike other Mesoamerican societies, which centered on massive monuments. A similar pattern seen in nearby Teotihuacan (pictured) has baffled archaeologists with evidence of both layouts
Tlaxcallan was built around the year 1250 CE near what’s now Tlaxcala, Mexico, and had a ‘senate’ of roughly 100 men. And, being appointed to political office was no small feat
Teotihuacan (pictured) has archaeologists divided. Some say it likely had a strong rulership, as it has grand structures such as pyramids, while others suggest its grid layout was indicative of a focus on the collective
When you think of early democratic societies, it’s likely ancient Greece comes to mind. In the past few decades, however, archaeologists have discovered evidence of other pre-modern societies that may, too, have relied on collective organization instead of a sole ruler. Recent archaeological breakthroughs have revealed that the ancient Mesoamerican city of Tlaxcallan had somewhat of a senate – but, candidates running for the position would be subjected to starvation, fierce public beatings, and years of study.
Tlaxcallan was built around the year 1250 CE near what’s now Tlaxcala, Mexico, and had a ‘senate’ of roughly 100 men. And, being appointed to political office was no small feat. Candidates were trained warriors, and would have to stand naked in a public plaza while a crowd of people punched and kicked him, according to Science. Then, they’d be held in a temple for up to 2 years to be starved, beaten with spiked whips when they fell asleep, subjected to bloodletting rituals, and drilled in moral and legal code by the city’s priests. The gruelling process was documented by a Spanish priest in the 1500s, but since then, archaeological efforts led largely by Richard Blanton, of Purdue University and his mentee Lane Fargher have revealed even further evidence of a republic. While the society might not be considered a full democracy, the researchers found that the common people had a say in their government, Science reports. Along with this, there were several rulers who shared power.
Just a few decades ago, it was believed that these types of societies didn’t exist in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, as many were known to have been ruled by powerful kings. But some sites, including Tlaxcallan, lacked many of the common signs of an autocratic rule. The state and leaders relied on taxes rather than external wealth, and people from all classes could become a part of the governing council, instead of being born into power, according to Science.
While several different ethnic groups lived in Tlaxcallan, with many coming as refugees, anyone could join the senate if they were a strong enough warrior, the researchers explained. An example of the city’s collective organization appears in evidence of houses built near one of the city’s largest public plazas ‘Look where we are,’ Fargher told Science. ‘Right in front of a very public space. In any other Mesoamerican site, next to the principal plaza you’d have an enormous palace. ‘Here we have a pretty humble house.’
According to the researchers, a grid-like setup could be seen throughout the city, with little signs of a clear hierarchy – unlike other Mesoamerican societies, which centered on massive monuments. But, a similar pattern in the nearby city Teotihuacan has archaeologists divided. Some say it likely had a strong rulership, as it has grand structures such as pyramids, while others suggest its grid layout was indicative of a focus on the collective. Still, the researchers say collective governments experienced pendulum-like cycles, which could be reflected in a city’s architecture. ‘Democracy isn’t a one-shot deal that happened one time,’ Blanton told Science. ‘It comes and goes, and it’s very difficult to sustain.’
TLAXCALLAN Tlaxcallan was built around the year 1250 CE near what’s now Tlaxcala, Mexico. The state and leaders relied on taxes rather than external wealth, and people from all classes could become a part of the governing council, instead of being born into power, according to Science. And, several different ethnic groups lived in Tlaxcallan, and anyone could join the senate if they were a strong enough warrior. While these society might not be considered a full democracy, the researchers found that the common people had a say in their government, Science reports. According to the researchers, a grid-like setup could be seen throughout the city, with little signs of a clear hierarchy. Common houses, for example, were built alongside public plazas.
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