EQ 1: How was Central America influenced by the Olmec civilization? Key Terms: Mesoamerica, Olmec, “mother culture”

Geography Mesoamerica—aka Central America or Middle America, region in between North and South America Modern-day Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica ****MEXICO AND NEW MEXICO ARE TWO DIFFERENT LANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Olmec First civilization that developed in Mesoamerica Mesoamerica’s “mother culture” Civilizations that developed in Mesoamerica all trace their cultures back to the Olmecs

Olmecs had extensive trade network, which made the society wealthy and caused their culture to spread Famous for large stone statues of heads

Olmec Contributions Art styles Design of cities Burial sites Recreation

EQ 2: What contributions were made by the civilizations in Mesoamerica & South America? Maya, Chichen Itza, Aztec, Tenochtitlan, Quetzalcoatl, Inca, socialism, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Atahualpa

Maya, c.300-900 AD

Mayan Contributions Step pyramids Large cities at Tikal, Chichen Itza

Science & Math Number system 52-week calendar, using a codex

Organized Sports

Bloodletting ceremonies

Aztecs, c. 900-1550 AD

Aztecs, c. 900-1550 AD Were also called Mexicas, where we get the name Mexico Capital at Tenochtitlan, built in the middle of a lake Advanced empire, conquered other people and demanded tribute (taxes) Known for human sacrifices

Worshipped Quetzalcoatl, a god of peace portrayed as a feathered serpent who, according to Aztec myth, promised to return and bring about a golden age

Incas, c. 1300-1600

Incas, c. 1300-1600 Most important empire of South America Settled in the Andes Mountains Incan govt most like socialism—most wealth shared equally Empire expanded through conquest & diplomacy

Inca Empire Advanced cities at Machu Picchu and capital of Cuzco Enormous wealth and advancements Power struggles for control of empire Emperor Atahualpa gained power through war with his brother

Machu Picchu

Cuzco