Pre Columbian Americas

15-16000 years ago 1st humans settled Americas Came across Bering Strait from NE Asia 14500 years ago evidence of humans in Florida and Chile Followed patterns similar to other parts of the world Agriculture 7-9000 years ago Misconception: At time of European colonization, Americas were sparsely populated with Hunter Gatherers Not true: 50-100 million people 10-20% of world population Major cities -> Aztecs, Mayan, Inca

Olmec (1200-400 BCE) Origins are a mystery Mother Culture of the Americas Developed their own language and basic calendar Ceremonial complexes Pyramids Sports End a mystery  revolts, environmental

Olmec Ball Court

Olmec

Maya (0-800 CE) Descendants still exist Like Olmec Pyramids Ball Courts Calendar Engaged in constant combat Mayan civilization collapsed 900 CE Mayans didn’t disappear but left their cultural centers When Spanish arrived the centers still existed but Maya couldn’t read the writings or inscriptions  their history was lost

Mayan Cultural Centers Tikal Mayan Cultural Centers Chichen Itza

Bonampak Fresco 785 CE Scene depicts Mayan victory and festivities including ritual mutilation and sacrifice These murals played a role in changing beliefs that Mayan culture had been peaceful

City of Mayapan

Aztec Most successful expansionists in pre-contact period Conquered and demanded tribute from city-states in region Dominated region from late 13th-16th century This created major divisions and rivalry

Aztec Empire Capital city: Tenochtitlan In the middle of a lake Demonstrated wealth High level of agriculture Used large, floating gardens Hierarchical social structure By 16th century  thriving culture built on warfare and violent expansionism

Aztec Empire Religion Central cultural identity for Aztec people Aztecs believed in may gods They used human sacrifice as a source of strength, nourishment for gods Continual supply is necessary Took it to a new level  1000’s over a year Maintained warfare to keep supply of sacrifices Led to Aztec downfall

Aztec Human Sacrifice became commonplace among the Aztecs after the famine of 1450–1451 CE. The priest cut out the victim's still-beating heart with an obsidian knife, displayed it, then rolled the dead carcass down the stairs. As many as 20,000 people could be sacrificed in a single day to provide the blood necessary to ensure the sun's rise.

Observatory at Chichen Itza

Inca Largest American empire before Spanish Lasted only about 100 years No written language 1000’s of miles of paved roads Tied empire together Expansionist and administrative Grew through aggressive militaristic action Vibrant militaristic people with a gift for administration Like the Aztecs, when people think of the Inca they think of its decline. Because theres no written language, early accounts are largely oral. Overlap between the history and mythology.

Rise of the Inca Empire 15th century Expanded due to military conquest Subjugated surrounding tribes Permanent army created  destroy many surrounding kingdoms Form effective alliances  absorb people without conquest Internal dissent ruthlessly put down Built an extensive road system to control people & movement of army Hold empire together

Rise of Inca Empire Ruthless to resisters Enemies annihilated and survivors killed Willing to accept surrender

Inca State and Empire Needed to control conquered people and support army A system of runners was used to communicate between provinces Collected taxes and tributes Relocated conquered people to keep control Developed elaborate agricultural methods to support growing population Terracing and irrigation Llamas but no other large animals No animals = no cavalry, wheeled vehicles

End of the Inca Spanish arrive in 1531 Inca Empire at its height 1531-1533: Inca conquered with only 180 men Many factors played a role Civil war and internal dissent in Incan empire when Spanish arrive Disease Spanish tactics Kidnapping and execution Spanish gunpowder, cavalry, steel armor Spanish conquest of Inca ultimately leads to the rise of the Spanish Silver Empire

Machu Picchu

Inca Ruins with Terraces

Ruins at Cuzco

Ruins at Pisac, Peru