Pre-Columbian Civilizations By: Brett

Standards 5.2 Identify the three major pre-Columbian civilizations that existed in Central and South America (Maya, Aztec, and Inca) and their locations. Describe their political structures, religious practices, and use of slaves. 5.4 Explain why the Aztec and Inca civilizations declined in the 16th century. A. the encounters between Cortez and Montezuma B. the encounters between Pizarro and the Incas C. the goals of the Spanish conquistadors D. the effects of European diseases, particularly smallpox, throughout the Western hemisphere

Aztecs Lived in Central Mexico- Valley of Mexico. Capital was Tenochtitlan. It was built in the middle of a lake. Now Mexico City. They were polytheistic (believed in many gods) Made other Tribes pay tribute. Often fought with other tribes. Enslaved other tribes and used them for sacrificing. Brought down by Smallpox and Cortez. The Aztecs and their leader, Montezuma were tricked by Cortez who pretended he was friends with them. The Aztecs thought he was a the pale skinned god Quetzacoatl. Image Source: http://group3pas.wikispaces.com/Music, Map and Pyramid of the Sun

Mayas Lived on the Mexican coast- Yucatan Peninsula Had several major cities. Was harder for conquistadors to overthrow. Contained little gold. Polytheistic. Had slaves who could regain freedom. Disappeared- not sure what happened. Image Source: http://www.greatdreams.com/mynproph.htm

Incas Lived around the Andes Mts., Peru. Capital city was Cuzco. Polytheistic. Had no written language. Practiced animal sacrifice. Around 20 million people. Very organized government. Image Source: http://www.uncp.edu/home/rwb/lecture_nonwest_world.htm

Hernan Cortez Conquered the Aztecs. Traveled with 500 men and 16 horses to conquer the Aztecs in 1519 Pretended to come in friendship and he happened to come on the day the Aztecs were waiting for a god, Quetzacoatl to return. The Aztec Leader, Montezuma was taken hostage and eventually killed. The Spanish were routed but returned in 1521 and defeated the Aztecs.

Francisco Pizzaro Traveled with 180 men and 27 horses into Peru to conquer the Inca civilization. The Inca empire quickly fell because they were fighting a civil war- a war with a country fighting itself. Atahualpa was captured and held for ransom, and was still killed.

Conquistadors Changed The Americas Many native cultures are lost forever, as well as hundreds of languages. If not for conquistadors like Cortez and Pizzaro the majority of people in the Americas might not be made up of Christians. People in Central and South America might not speak Spanish. Mexico might still be made up of Aztecs and several other tribes.