2. 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.

3. Aztec Lived in Central Mexico – Valley of Mexico The capital is Tenochtitlan built in the middle of a lake They forced other tribes to give them money They were brought down by smallpox The Aztecs believed in Quetzalcoatl. Cortez kept Montezuma hostage. pbs.org

4. Mayas Mexican coast Yucatan peninsula They’re slaves could sometimes gain freedom They did not contain a lot of gold It was much harder for the conquistadors to overthrow Believed in many gods Webspace.utexas. edu

5. Inca Lived in South America Andes mts. They had no written language but had spoken language and used knots for messages The capital was Cuzco Believed in many gods The Inca’s had a civil war. A battle with 2 groups fighting in the same country Incas did not value the gold and silver the same way the Spanish did uncp.edu

6. Cortez He took 500 people and 16 horses to kill the Aztecs. Other Natives helped the Spanish in their conquest the Aztecs captured the Indians and used them as slaves or human sacrifice. The Aztecs were polytheistic. He is a Conquistador one who conquers. etc.usf.edu

7. Pizarro Pizarro was a Spanish explorer. Pizarro wanted to conquer the Incas. Pizarro demanded a room filled with gold and silver and then Atahualpa would be given back. etc.usf.edu

8. I think they changed Central and South America by fighting and when they killed everyone they took over. Today most people in South America are Christian. A lot of the civilizations have disappeared. How did the Spanish explorers and conquistadors change Central and South America forever? (Where do we see the lasting effect of these conquistadors even in 2011?)