Mayans
Time Period AD
Location Modern day MEXICO Yucatan Peninsula
Government Priests were sometimes rulers Aristocratic Nobility (Wealthy people ruled)
Economy Drained marshes to create more farmland Terrace farming (steps on hills) Traded honey, salt and cacao Cities were market places Obviously had a SURPLUS OF FOOD to support the population which led to……specialized JOBS
Language Hieroglyphs (symbols instead of letters) Carved on columns of temples & tombs
`Religion Priests were the MOST important people. Polytheistic 365-day calendar based on stars Pyramid temples Gods controlled nature and weather
Technology Advanced Math: use of number zero Master builders of cities Pyramids 2 calendars Weavers Terrace farming
900…Mayans began deserting their cities By 1500, Spaniards had conquered what was left
Aztecs
Time Period
Location Mexico Tenochtitlan “Place of the Prickly Pear” North and West of the Mayan Empire
Government Tenochtitlan…capital city 100,000 citizens Warriors Trade and Conquest Tribute (tax) was paid by conquered peoples Rigid class system that included slaves
Economy Well-stocked outdoor markets Chinampas…floating gardens (how humans interact w/environment) Corn, Squash, Beans, tomatoes, sweet potato Parks, zoos, schools, barbershops Traded far distances
Language Record-keeping in books filled with bark pages
Religion Polytheistic Sun God was most important Priests kept a history of the Aztecs Priests were teachers HUMAN SACRIFICES to the gods
Technology Causeways: raised highways over water Aqueducts Stone pyramids Jewelry Chinampas
Decline Conquered by Hernan Cortes, a Spanish conquistador in 1520.
Inca
Time Period
Location Andes Mts. Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina Largest Empire in MesoAmerica
Government Totalitarian: Ruler has TOTAL control Well-organized Powerful army of warriors Inca is the name given to the ruler Ruler controlled ALL goods and services
Economy Terrace Farming Food surplus allowed for specialized jobs Grew: corn, potatoes, cotton, squash, beans, cocao Llama and alpaca meat was eaten and used for labor
Language Newly conquered people had to learn the language
Religion Polytheistic Inti---Sun God was most highly revered and worshipped. Why?
Technology Irrigation Canals Extensive roads Many bridges Terrace farming Stone steps on mountain sides Stone houses with grass roofs Drainage systems Postal service
Decline Unrest throughout the empire after the 9 th ruler (Inca) died…..left them weak and open for attack Conquered by Spain in early 1500’s Fransisco Pizarro conquers them.