Post-Classical Mesoamerica 900 A.D. – 1,520 A.D.
Main Civilizations Mayans (1,500 B.C. – 1,546 A.D.) Toltec (900 A.D. – 1,200 A.D.) Aztecs (1,200 A.D. – 1,521 A.D.) Incas (1,200 A.D. – 1,535 A.D.)
The Mayans Complex civilization in Guatemala Chief Ruler Considered half man, half god Ruled 1 city
The Mayans Professions Peasant Farmers – Majority of Mayans Craftsmen – Made luxuries for nobles Nobles – Performed sacred ceremonies Astronomers – Measured movement of solar system
The Mayans Often participated in wars Practiced human sacrifice Achievements Builders – Huge cities w/ large palaces, temples, & pyramids Writing – Hieroglyphics Math & Science – Numbering system, 365 day calendar Artistry – Decorated buildings with murals
The Mayans Decline Crisis in 9th Century – Unknown Migrated to Yucatan & rebuilt War from 13th – 16th Century ended civilization
The Toltec Religion Polytheistic Worshipped gods of nature Used mosaics to depict Cosmic gods Their culture influenced later civilizations
The Toltec Economy based on tribute system Food Metals Clothing Ornaments Ceramics Traded turquoise
The Toltec Led by a king Eventually developed feudalism Grew empire through war Warriors were important members of society Greatly influenced later civilizations (Aztecs)
The Aztecs Religion Worshipped cosmic gods Mosaics big part of art Art used to express religious ideas Trade Large trade network Textiles Metals Ceramics
The Aztecs Agriculture Used terracing & irrigation Society Nobles Commoners Rank determined by birth Aztec Emperor was highest ranking official Feudalism
The Aztecs War Variety of reasons Male’s identity defined by success in war Provided means to climb social ladder
The Incas Religion similar to Egyptians Mosaics most popular art form Developed writing system & calendars Quipu – Counting system
The Incas 140,000 Miles of road Economy – Tribute system Government 10 houses made a clan (ayllu) Conka Camayoc – Leader of ayllu Single people lived with a family
The Incas War Used to grow empire Skilled warriors considered very important
Essential Question What were the characteristics of the Postclassical Mesoamerican civilizations? How did these civilizations influence later people?