Spanish Explorers and Pre- Columbian Civilizations By: James R. and Ryan S /toltec-indians0.gif

Standards 5.2 Identify the three major pre- Columbian civilizations that existed in Central and South America (Maya, Aztec, and Inca) and their locations. Describe their political structures, religious practices, and use of slaves. 5.4 Explain why the Aztec and Inca civilizations declined in the 16th century. A. the encounters between Cortez and Montezuma B. the encounters between Pizarro and the Incas C. the goals of the Spanish conquistadors D. the effects of European diseases, particularly smallpox, throughout the Western hemisphere Picture from clip art

Aztecs They were located in Central Mexico. There capital was Tenochtitlan. They were polytheistic which means they believed in many gods. They controlled other tribes in the area. Used Prisoners Of War as their slaves. They were taken down by smallpox a disease brought by the Spanish accidentally. solorzano/Ancient_Vacations/aztecs/images/ aztec_map.gif

Mayas They were located on the Yucatan Peninsula. They had many major cities which made it hard for the Spanish to conquer. Did not have as much gold as the Aztecs and Incas. They were polytheistic which means the believed in many gods. They had slaves which could gain freedom. /alex- solorzano/ancient_vacations/mayas/im ages/maya_map.gif

Incas They were located on the Andes Mountains. Their capital city was Cuzco. They were polytheistic which means they believed in many gods. They had no written language but used knots as communication as well as speaking. They practiced animal sacrifice (Llamas) occasional children sacrifice. They had a civil war between two different groups to decide king. Had 20 million members of their civilization! _map.jpg

Cortez He conquered the Aztecs. The Aztecs thought Cortez was their god Quetzalcoatl. He destroyed Tenochtitlan and founded Mexico City. The Aztecs and there leader welcomed Cortez. He came to Mexico in There were other natives who helped Cortez defeat Aztecs.

Pizzaro He easily took over the huge empire of the Incas. He killed Atahualpa after Incas paid ransom to free him. He used Inca engineering to his advantage. He traveled with only 180 men! _lg.gif

How the Spanish Changed Aztec, Maya, and Inca Life Forever They destroyed the Incas and Aztecs The Spanish brought smallpox to North America They brought their culture to North America They changed many polytheistic religions to Christian Picture from clipart