Civilizations of the Americas
Aztecs Incas Mayas East Coast Desert Southwest West Coast Great Plains Arctic
Mexico- Tenochtitlan Farming people – chinampas Warring people- Spanish Human sacrifices so the sun would rise
Guatemala- Tikal Farming Human Sacrifice Calendar- December 21, 2012
Peru- Machu Picchu and Cuzco Farming- coca leaves (cocaine)
300–900 Yucatán to Central America Each city with own ruling chief Bureaucracy of nobles Polytheistic Powerful priests Elaborate ceremonies Raised fields built in cleared rain forests Channels Hieroglyphics Number system Concept of zero Solar calendar Theories include: warfare, overpopula- tion, peasant revolts 1200s–1500s Mexico Emperor chosen by nobles and priests to lead in war Polytheistic Priests very powerful Human sacrifices Floating gardens Herbs and medicines, able to set broken bones and treat dental cavities Steam baths Accurate calendar Spanish invaders 1400s–1500s Peru Rule by God-king with absolute power Efficient government that reaches every village Polytheistic Monthly festivals Offerings to gods Powerful priests Step terraces Surgery and anti- septics Extensive system of roads Spanish invaders Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas
East Coast Desert Southwest West Coast Great Plains Arctic Environment influences culture
Algonquin Iroquois- League (political group of tribes) Huron Chippewa
Navajo Hopi Anasazi- Cliff Dwellers
Nez Perce Shoshone Totem Poles
Lakota Cheyenne Comanche Crow Blackfeet
Inuits (Eskimos) Potlatch
Meso American trade system What item is the most important?