7.7 Students compare and contrast the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the Meso-American and Andean civilizations. 1. Study the locations, landforms, and climates of Mexico, Central America, and South America and their effects on Mayan, Aztec, and Incan economies, trade, and development of urban societies. 2. Study the roles of people in each society, including class structures, family life, warfare, religious beliefs and practices, and slavery. 3. Explain how and where each empire arose and how the Aztec and Incan empires were defeated by the Spanish. 4. Describe the artistic and oral traditions and architecture in the three civilizations. 5. Describe the Meso-American achievements in astronomy and mathematics, including the development of the calendar and the Meso-American knowledge of seasonal changes to the civilizations’ agricultural systems.

Instructions Anything written in yellow (SLOW down and pay attention) is useful information. You should write it in your notes IN YOUR OWN WORDS. Anything in red (STOP and pay close attention) is critical information and should be copied exactly. Anything in green (GO on to the next point) you do not have to write.

The Maya

Historians first believed the Maya were peaceful and had a perfect society. They were the most advanced people in the Western Hemisphere. Now historians are questioning their thoughts. Some info

Geography

Latin America: Mexico, Central and South America. Volcanic ash makes the land good for farming. South America features huge mountains and huge rivers. Some areas flood while others suffer drought.

Where were the Mayans?

Geography The Mayans lived on the southern tip of Mexico and into central America. The land was heavily covered in rain forests. This provided some advantages to the Maya but also some challenges.

Good land for farming. Plenty of water. Lots and lots of trees for wood. Not much room for it though. Usually, too much water! Doesn’t leave much room for buildings.

Adaptations They did two main things to make their environment better. Slash and burn – cutting down and burning trees to clear room. Terracing – cutting “stairs” into hills to make more flat land. (also called terrace farming)