Americas, and the Age of Exploration Time Period: Aztecs, Inca, Mayans – 600-1500, Age of Exploration – 1450-1550 Region: North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Carribean, Afro- Eurasia

Before they meet: The Americas Aztecs (Mexica) Mesoamerica, centralized, strong tributary military state, Centralized Used human sacrifice religiously and as a way of striking fear into their enemies, and criminals – done in front of their enemies (Assyrians?) Used Chinampas to farm year round in a lake Inca South America, Andes Mountains (Chile & Peru), strong tributary military state, Centralized Used a Mit’a – a rotational labor system that required everyone to contribute to society and public works (almost like a tax, but instead of money, they pay with time and labor fixing roads, building bridges, fixing buildings, etc.) Adapted to their environment in the mountains, coast and rainforest using llamas, terrace farming, Waru Waru, and built over 25,000 miles of roads Used human sacrifice mainly religiously Maya Decentralized, group of city-states that actually fought between themselves. All considered “Maya” because of common cultural characteristics (Religion, language, etc.) Also had human sacrifice, big part of Popol Vuh (Sport that was a mix between lacrosse and basketball) North America? They were doing stuff too, no empires like the Aztec or Inca, biggest was centered around Cahokia, near the Mississippi river (about 20,000). Other big groups included the Navajo in present day Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico (About 15,000)

Mayan temple, calendar and symbols.

Aztec Lake Texcoco with Chinampas, view of a chinampa

Tenochtitlan, Aztec Capital

Incan Roads and buildings, terrace farming in high mountains.

Incan farming techniques raised beds of Waru waru and Mit’a, communal rotation labor force. Bridge building: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dql-D6JQ1Bc