Bell Work Describe one of the Native American Empires prior to the arrival of the Spanish Mayans, Aztecs, or Incans

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The Mayans Rose to prominence in 250 CE Most known for their astronomy, calendar, and hieroglyphic writing. Built pyramids “Blood sacrifice”, but did not require death. The Mayan Empire was already in decline by the time Columbus arrived. The Spanish made it a practice to destroy Mayan writing.

The Aztecs Tale of the settlement of Tenochitlan. The Mexica began to make alliances and build their military. The city of Tenochitlan was one of the most populated in the world. The Aztecs ruled with fear and strength. They were in their height when the Spanish landed.

Why did the Aztecs fall? In 1519, the clash took place. Human Sacrifice Religion – Thought the Spanish were gods. Disease from the Spanish (Smallpox) Tactics – different battle tactics caught the Aztecs off guard. This allowed Cortes to succeed in sieging Tenochilan

The Incans Based in Cuzco, Peru Existed less than 100 years as formal empire. They left no written history. Had a superb highway system. Women were able to be warriors and held a place in the Incan religion. When the Spanish came, they destroyed the power that females had in society. Defeated in 1532 by Spanish.

Non-Empires

Non-Empires There is more variance between Native American groups than similarities. Their geographic location played large role in the their culture.

Wrap Up How did Native Americans differ from Europeans before they had contact with one another? What do you think might change?