People & Civilizations of the Americas

Mesoamerican Culture Teotihuacan = 150,000 strong city dominated by religious structures Growth of the city due to the following factors… – Forced relocation – Agricultural Tech (Floating Gardens) Ruled by alliances of wealthy families Military used to protect and expand Collapsed around 650 C.E.

The Maya Never formed a unified state / civil war between competing Mayan City-States Agricultural productivity – Swamp draining, terraced fields, irrigation systems Religion = – 3 Layers of Cosmos (Heavens, Humanworld, & Underworld) Women in Mayan Society – Participated in rituals – “Common” women important with Agricultural & Textile production Military = Fought for captives not territory (sacrifice & slavery) Notable Achievements = – Mayan Calendar & Writing System – Mathematics Declined between C.E.

The Aztecs Originally Northern nomadic tribe Founded major city of Tenochtitlan Government = Monarchy – Power through territorial conquest – Led by a ‘proven’ king Women = – Controlled the household & economic markets Chinampas = areas of fertile land to grow crops on the shallow lake beds Trade – Tribute & Barter System Religion = Polytheistic – gods required human sacrifice

Andean Civilizations All shaped by geography Moche Culture – Northern coastal Peru 200 C.E. – Political = Structured and theocratic (society dominated by elites) – Artisans skilled in metallurgy Tiwanaku – Founded in Bolivia after 200 C.E. – Political = Ruled by the hereditary elite (s) – Construction = Human Powered Wari – Near Ayucucho, Peru – Warlike culture / Not as advanced as Tiwanaku – Declined by 1000 C.E.

The Incas Started small in Cuzco, but through military expansion created a large empire Controlled empire through local leadership with military garrisons & hostages Government = led by a ‘proven’ king Cultural Achievements = – Astronomical observations – Weaving & Metallurgy Civil War weakened the empire by 1525 C.E.