SSWH 8 Demonstrate an understanding of the development of societies in Central and South America.

The Americas

The Olmec Earliest American civilization Advanced political system Headed by priests and nobles Religious beliefs influenced later American civilizations Polytheistic Based on nature (animals)

The Maya

The Maya Lived on the Yucatan Peninsula Political Organization Made up of independent city-states Each city had its own king Economic Organization City-states connected through trade Religious Organization Polytheistic Human Sacrifice

Maya Social Organization Intellectual Organization Majority farmers Slaves POWs Intellectual Organization Writing Hieroglyphics Ball Game Game that held political and religious importance Calendar Astronomy and Mathematics

The Aztec

Aztec Lived in present-day Mexico Political Organization Unified under one king Capital at Tenochtitlan Built in the middle of a lake Conquered people and forced them to pay tribute (taxes) Economic Organization Engaged in long-distance trade

Aztec Religious Organization Social Organization Same as Olmec and Maya Human Sacrifice very important Social Organization Mostly farmers Chinampas Floating gardens for growing food Priests very important Traders made up the middle class

Aztec Intellectual Organization Calendar Knowledge of medicine Hieroglyphic Writing

The Inca

Inca Lived in South America in Andes Mountains Political Organization Centralized under one ruler Inca means Emperor Emperor seen as a God Capital at Cuzco Economic Organization Limited trade because of mountains

Inca Religious Organization Social Organization Similar to Aztecs Social Organization Majority Farmers Terraces Intellectual Organization Medicine Brain Surgery Metalwork Weaving Quipu (Inca record keeping) Incan Roads and Bridges (connected the Empire)