Early Civilizations Chapter 10, Section 1

Mayan Civilization and Culture Mayan civilization thrived in Central America and southern Mexico from 300ad to 900 ad. Two Mayan cities were Copan (Honduras) and Tikal (Guatemala. They had large pyramid-shaped temples. Mayan farmers worked in the surrounding cities.

Mayan Civilization and Culture Science, Technology, and Religion Maize was their most important crop. They also farmed beans, squash, peppers, avocados, and papayas. Mayan priest studied the stars and planets and designed an accurate calendar. They created a system of writing using signs and symbols called hieroglyphics along with a number system similar to our decimal system.

Mayan Civilization and Culture The Great Mystery of the Mayas Around 900 ad Mayas suddenly left their cities, but no one knows why. Mayans remained in the region and millions still live in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Aztec Civilization and Culture Aztecs entered the Valley of Mexico in the 1100’s but continued to move until 1325 when they took up residency on an island in Lake Texcoco. They changed the swampy land into a magnificent city. They Aztec capital was called Tenochtitlan today’s Mexico City.

Aztec Civilization and Culture The Aztec Expand Their Empire In the 1400’s Aztec warriors conquered other people in their region. What did they force their captives to do? Who ruled over the Aztec people? What was the role of the priests and the nobles? Warriors? And craftsman? What were most people?

Aztec Civilization and Culture Aztec Science and Technology What did Aztec doctor’s do? Astronomers? Priests?

Incan Civilizations and Culture Where did the Incas settle? Most Incas were…. How did the Incas win control over the Cuzco Valley? From where to where did the Cuzco Valley stretch? Distance? There were about 12 million peopled ruled by the Incas which mostly lived in small villages and their descendents still live there today.

Incan Civilizations and Culture What language did/do the Incas speak? Incan Accomplishments The Incas were excellent farmers, builders, and managers. They built 19,000 miles of roads. These roads help govern the Incan Empire. Terraces were farm plots they created on the side of the mountains.

Incan Civilizations and Culture The Incas also created aqueducts- pipes or channels designed to carry water from a distant source. These aqueducts allowed them to grow crops in parts of South America they otherwise would not have been able to.