Early Civilization in the Americas 200-1500

Pre-Columbian Civilizations

The Maya

Origins Classical Period 250-900 Location-S. Mexico, northern C. America Practiced slash and burn agriculture (poor rainforest soils) Population was never very dense (30 sq. mi?)

Cities (Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Tikal, etc Cities (Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Tikal, etc.) mainly religious, ceremonial centers Each independent-controlled surrounding countryside Center-pyramid temple

Chichen-Itza

Tikal

Mayan Hieroglyphs

Decline Cities abandoned by 900 Classical period came to an end, but life changed little Overpopulation, disease, or drought might have disrupted Mayan life

The Aztec

Origins Moved into Valley of Mexico-1200’s Established city of Tenochtitlan

Organization Roads linked empire Developed calendar for religious purposes Tribute paid by conquered peoples Practiced extensive human sacrifice

Aztec human sacrifice ritual

"The divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue "The divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink permits a man to walk for a whole day without food.” Montezuma II

The Inca

The Inca Empire: Origins and Organization Formed in 1400’s Centered in Andes Mtns. (in modern Peru) Height-20m. people, 2K mi. n-s Incorporated local rulers Conquered people performed public service-mi’ta

No written language, only quipu Extensive road system Precisely engineered stone structures

Inca Terraces

Inca-style rope bridge

Inca Stonework

Machu Picchu

Road to Machu Picchu