2. Native Americans of Latin America
Aztecs, Incas, Mayans
Native Americans of Latin America

4. Aztecs Lived in Central Mexico
Their capital was Tenochtitlan (Mexico City)
It was originally built on two islands in the middle of Lake Texcoco.

5. Tenochtitlan

6. Way of Life Warrior Society Farming was the main job.
Highly developed military
Farming was the main job.
“Floating Gardens”
rafts filled with mud to grow crops.
Lived in huge cities

7. Religion Main God God of War and Sun
Demanded constant war and human sacrifice

8. Government
Emperor had supreme power over everyone!!
Well organized

9. Education Controlled by the priests
Learned history, Aztec traditions, and crafts
Some were chosen for special schools to learn official religious duties

10. Contributions Roads with “rest stops” Making education mandatory
Gold work and the beginnings of medicine
Farming on ‘floating boats”

11. Mayans Lived in the Yucatan Peninsula
The capital of the second empire was Chichen Itza

12. Way of Life Lived in small settlements in the country
Large cities were religious centers
No one lived there all the time.
Almost all Mayans were farmers

13. Religion Worshipped rain gods, gods of soil, sun god, corn god
Believed all gods and humans descended from the sun and moon

14. Government Not a lot known about their government Historians think:
Each large city controlled the area around it.

15. Education
Children learned at home from their parents

16. Contributions Accurate calendar (354 days)
Advanced Math (discovered Zero)
Advanced writing system
Pyramid Architecture

17. Study the Stars and Created the Mayan Calendar

18. Mayan Numbers

19. Mayan Hieroglyphics
sky king house child city

20. Kukulcan

21. Incas Lived in the Andes Mountains Their capital was Cuzco.
Mainly in Peru
Their capital was Cuzco.
Famous Inca city is Machu Picchu.

23. Machu Picchu

24. Way of Life Farmers Grew cotton, maize (corn), potatoes
Carved flat surfaces in mountains to farm
Terrace farming
Artisans:
Bricks
Gold and Silver Jewelry
Pottery

26. Created irrigation and roads

27. Religion Incas were polytheists (believed in many gods)
Main god: Viracocha (Sun God)
Priests were also surgeons.
Sometimes sacrificed animals and children

28. Government (Socialism)
Had an Emperor
Believed he was a descendent of the Sun God
Had a class system
Priests
Soldiers
Artisans
Farmers
Slaves
Mita (Labor Tax): Required people to work for the emperor a short time each year.

29. Education Royalty Citizens Went to school at age 13
Learned religion, government, history, and moral norms
Citizens
Did not go to school
Learned from their grandparents and parents

30. Contributions Architecture
The way Incas created cities, irrigation, and roads was GENIUS!