Mayan Civilization 250-900 A.D.

Location / Geography

Urban Center The first major civilization in Central Mexico was Teotihaucan Largest Mayan city- Tikal (modern day Guatemala) Tikal: important, major Mayan city-state Served as a center of religious ceremonies and trade

Tikal – Temple of the Giant Jaguar

Mayan Economy Trade Although the Mayan city-states were independent of each other, they were linked through alliances and trade Agriculture (Farming Method) Agriculture-particularly growing maize (corn) was the basis for Mayan life Thought to practice slash and burn farming but the Mayans were sophisticated

Kingdoms Built on Dynasties Mayan King Noble Class Merchants Peasants

Mayan Religion Religion influenced most aspects of Mayan life Polytheistic God of Death God of Rain

Mayan Religion Sacrifices took place on top of tall pyramids Sacrifice needed to keep order in the universe

Mayan Intellectual and Artistic Achievements Calendar Religious beliefs led to the development of the calendar, mathematics and astronomy The Mayans based their calendar on careful observations of the planets, sun and moon (astronomical study) 365 day solar calendar 260 day calendar based on the orbit of Venus

Mayan Intellectual and Artistic Achievements Math/Science Mayan astronomers were able to attain such great precision using a math symbol that included the concept of zero

Mayan Intellectual & Artistic Achievements Written language The Mayans wrote on a bark paper book known as codex Using glyphs, the Mayans were able to: Record historic events Pass on stories from generations to generations Make calendars

End of the Maya Around 900 A.D., Mayan cities abandoned Frequent warfare causes Mayans to abandon homes Overpopulation = over farming = abandoning homes Peasant revolts from heavy taxing

Bellwork 8/30/16 Write Questions 1.) Describe the religious practices of the Mayans. 2.) List one achievement of the Mayans.

Chapter 16 Section 3 continued- The Aztecs Chapter 16 Section 3 continued-

The Valley of Mexico The Valley: lakes at its center, accessible resources and fertile soil Obsidian-green or black volcanic glass found in the Valley of Mexico and used to make razor-sharp weapons (no evidence that Teotihuacan conquered its neighbors or tried to create an empire) Art styles and religious beliefs from Teotihuacan have been found throughout Mesoamerica Teotihuacan abruptly declined…possibly due to invasion

Toltecs Take Over Toltecs Capital Tula Built pyramids and temples Characteristics Warlike people (empire based on conquest) Polytheistic Human Sacrifice

Aztec Grow Stronger Aztec Increase Strength Triple Alliance-Texcoco and Tlacopan The Aztec based their power on military conquest and the tribute they gained from their conquered subjects If local rulers failed to pay tribute or offered any kind of resistance, the Aztecs responded brutally

Religion Rules Aztec Life The Aztecs were polytheistic Sacrifice to the Sun God Conquered provinces resented the Aztec because the Aztec used conquered people for human sacrifices

Colonization Aztec Emperor Empires Spanish Flag Colonization Aztec Spanish Aztec Emperor

The Conquest of Mexico Spanish Technologically advanced (swords, guns, cannons) Cortez recruits the Tlaxacalan people against the Aztec Montezuma: Aztec leader Rebellion: 1520: Aztec victory Later: smallpox killed many Native Americans 1521: Spanish victory

New Spain Expands Tenochtitlan destroyed New City: Mexico City Capital of the Spanish colony of New Spain Expeditions in Central America and Mexico Conquistadors “Conquerors”

Different Viewpoints Reading and Discussion

Spanish American Society Encomienda System: Class Based System Based on Birth, Education and Income 1.) Peninsular Born in Spain Highest positions in the government and the church 2.) Criollos Born in the colonies with Spanish parents 3.) Mestizos Mixed: Spanish and Native American parents