1. Mayan Civilization
A.D.

2. Location / Geography

3. Urban Center
The first major civilization in Central Mexico was Teotihaucan
Largest Mayan city- Tikal (modern day Guatemala)
Tikal: important, major Mayan city-state
Served as a center of religious ceremonies and trade

4. Tikal – Temple of the Giant Jaguar

5. Mayan Economy
Trade
Although the Mayan city-states were independent of each other, they were linked through alliances and trade
Agriculture (Farming Method)
Agriculture-particularly growing maize (corn) was the basis for Mayan life
Thought to practice slash and burn farming but the Mayans were sophisticated

6. Kingdoms Built on Dynasties
Mayan King
Noble Class
Merchants
Peasants

7. Mayan Religion Religion influenced most aspects of Mayan life
Polytheistic
God of Death
God of Rain

8. Mayan Religion Sacrifices took place on top of tall pyramids
Sacrifice needed to keep order in the universe

9. Mayan Intellectual and Artistic Achievements
Calendar
Religious beliefs led to the development of the calendar, mathematics and astronomy
The Mayans based their calendar on careful observations of the planets, sun and moon (astronomical study)
365 day solar calendar
260 day calendar based on the orbit of Venus

10. Mayan Intellectual and Artistic Achievements
Math/Science
Mayan astronomers were able to attain such great precision using a math symbol that included the concept of zero

11. Mayan Intellectual & Artistic Achievements
Written language
The Mayans wrote on a bark paper book known as codex
Using glyphs, the Mayans were able to:
Record historic events
Pass on stories from generations to generations
Make calendars

12. End of the Maya Around 900 A.D., Mayan cities abandoned
Frequent warfare causes Mayans to abandon homes
Overpopulation = over farming = abandoning homes
Peasant revolts from heavy taxing

14. Bellwork 8/30/16 Write Questions
1.) Describe the religious practices of the Mayans.
2.) List one achievement of the Mayans.

15. Chapter 16 Section 3 continued-
The Aztecs
Chapter 16 Section 3 continued-

16. The Valley of Mexico
The Valley: lakes at its center, accessible resources and fertile soil
Obsidian-green or black volcanic glass found in the Valley of Mexico and used to make razor-sharp weapons (no evidence that Teotihuacan conquered its neighbors or tried to create an empire)
Art styles and religious beliefs from Teotihuacan have been found throughout Mesoamerica
Teotihuacan abruptly declined…possibly due to invasion

17. Toltecs Take Over Toltecs Capital Tula Built pyramids and temples
Characteristics
Warlike people (empire based on conquest)
Polytheistic
Human Sacrifice

18. Aztec Grow Stronger Aztec Increase Strength
Triple Alliance-Texcoco and Tlacopan
The Aztec based their power on military conquest and the tribute they gained from their conquered subjects
If local rulers failed to pay tribute or offered any kind of resistance, the Aztecs responded brutally

19. Religion Rules Aztec Life
The Aztecs were polytheistic
Sacrifice to the Sun God
Conquered provinces resented the Aztec because the Aztec used conquered people for human sacrifices

20. Colonization Aztec Emperor
Empires
Spanish Flag
Colonization
Aztec
Spanish
Aztec Emperor

21. The Conquest of Mexico Spanish
Technologically advanced (swords, guns, cannons)
Cortez recruits the Tlaxacalan people against the Aztec
Montezuma: Aztec leader
Rebellion:
1520: Aztec victory
Later: smallpox killed many Native Americans
1521: Spanish victory

22. New Spain Expands Tenochtitlan destroyed New City: Mexico City
Capital of the Spanish colony of New Spain
Expeditions in Central America and Mexico
Conquistadors “Conquerors”

23. Different Viewpoints Reading and Discussion

24. Spanish American Society
Encomienda System: Class Based System
Based on Birth, Education and Income
1.) Peninsular
Born in Spain
Highest positions in the government and the church
2.) Criollos
Born in the colonies with Spanish parents
3.) Mestizos
Mixed: Spanish and Native American parents