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.