Learning Goal 2: Compare the major political, economic, social, cultural and technological developments of the Mayan, Incan and Aztec civilizations. (6A,27B)

Warm-up- Additional Vocab Mercantilism- Economic system in which the main goal is to increase a nation's wealth by imposing government regulation concerning all of the nation's commercial interests Capitalism- Economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations Columbian Exchange-a period of cultural and biological exchanges between the New and Old Worlds. Encomienda- legal system by which the Spanish crown attempted to define the status of the Indian population in its American colonies

The major political, economic, social, and cultural developments of: Maya Aztec Inca And….. How did prior civilizations influence their development?

Maya The Mayan civilization extended over the Yucatan Peninsula in modern day Mexico. built monumental architecture developed a written language most advanced writing system in the ancient world developed a system of mathematics advanced astronomical observations Developed a very accurate calendar system (No, we are not all going to die at the end of the year!) technically a classical civilization

Political developments Mayan civilization established city-states, each ruled by a king or queen on Yucatan Peninsula around 5th century BCE and abandon the cities around 800CE Economic developments Extensive trade routes within their culture area Cultivated maize (corn) using slash & burn agriculture No large animals so most labor done by humans Social developments Polytheist Rulers claimed to be descended from gods Cities used as religious centers Large pyramids built as temples Blood sacrifice important religious practice Human sacrifice practiced but not on a large scale

Aztec The Aztec empire was centered around the city of Tenochtitlan (modern day Mexico City) built on an island in Lake Texcoco in what is now Central Mexico. originally a nomadic tribe pushed into the zone of sedentary agriculture established an empire around 1325 CE monumental architecture pyramids, roads densely populated cities Tenochtitlan – as many as 300,000

Large Aztec empire based on tribute developed in 14th century Political Large Aztec empire based on tribute developed in 14th century Ruled with kings/ priests Created large urban centers and built extensive roads Economic Extensive trade routes Maize most important crop Use of cacao beans as currency Cultural Polytheist Large pyramids built as temples Human sacrifice important religious practice Practiced on a MASSIVE scale

Inca The Inca civilization arose in the early 13th century in modern day Peru and was centered around it’s capital of Cuzco. established an empire in 1438 conquest & peaceful assimilation largest empire in pre-Columbian Americas monumental architecture temples, roads, bridges Machu Picchu – most famous Inca city developed terrace farming

Political developments Large Incan empire built in the Andes mountains System of government based on community cooperation and welfare Rulers considered descendents of the sun Large cities such as Cuzco and Machu Picchu Economic developments Extensive trading along roads in the Andes Vertical trade network Quipu record keeping system census and harvest data Breeding of llamas for wool and food Terrace farming in vertical climate zones Most labor done by humans Quipu (key-poo)

Cultural developments Spoken language no written language used Polytheist Some human sacrifice practiced Mummification 500 yr. old Incan mummy

How did prior civilizations influence their development? Olmec (1220-400BCE) art (colossal heads carved from stone), monumental architecture, and religion impacted the Mayans. The Chavin (850-250BC) culture was advanced at weaving, pottery making, and metalworking practices that were later incorporated into Inca culture. Additionally the Chavin created an urban, class-stratified society and domesticated the llama. Aztec culture was influenced by the war like Toltecs and the Aztecs were influenced by the Toltec city of Teotihuacan. Olmec head Chavin gold jug Toltec warrior statues

Your Assignment Answer the following question using the same method from last class Take a stance. Give 2 pieces of evidence that back up your stance! Prompt: Based on the information learned today, which of the three pre-Columbian civilizations was the most advanced? Remember to underline your stance and highlight your 2 pieces of evidence!