1. Medieval Mesoamerica The Aztecs, Mayans, & Incas
11/20/17

2. BELLWORK:
Today, we are going to focus on Medieval Mesoamerica and the three civilizations that dominated the region: Maya, Inca & Aztec.
To begin, read about “The Maya” on pgs 
Describe the background of Mayan civilization (when, where, city-states, etc.)
Explain the Mayan religion. How did they worship their gods?
What advances did the Mayans make in science?
What advances did the Mayans make in writing?
Why did Mayan civilization collapse?

3. Intro to Mesoamerica
During the last Ice Age, a natural land bridge connected the Asian and North American continents.
Early nomadic hunters used this land bridge when they followed herds of bison.
These became the first people to settle in the Americas.
Eventually, the Maya, Aztec and Inca civilizations developed here.
They had many advances in farming, architecture, science, and art – all while the Europeans had no idea they existed!

4. Native American Empires
The Mayan collapse started in the 900’s AD, but by 1300, there was no trace left.
From the 1300s to the 1500s, two powerful civilizations ruled areas of Mexico, Central & South America:
The Aztec and Inca
Both were late-comers to power, but within 200 years they transformed themselves into huge empires.
They developed highly centralized governments, became productive farmers, builders, and artisans.
To learn more about the achievements of each empire, complete the graphic organizer for notes! Due Friday!

6. Aztec
Ancient civilization made up of nomadic hunters and warriors who migrated into central Mexico in the 1200s.
Capital – Tenochtitlan
Their capital was an agricultural center and marketplace (caused increase in population)
Used chinampas: artificial islands for farming
A network of canals and bridges connected the mainland with the capital city (very advanced with water!)
At the center of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec built impressive pyramids, temples, and palaces.

9. Aztec
Created a strong military under Montezuma
The Aztec expanded their empire by making good alliances and conquering rivals.
Their civilization was organized as a hierarchy: divisions based on authority.
Emperor, nobility, commoners, serfs, and slaves
Religion was the most important: believed sacrifices made the gods happy.
Aztec civilization ended when Spanish forces invaded and conquered their land in 1521.

11. In a search for gold, the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes, arrived in Tenochtitlan in Eventually, his troops massacred the Aztec leading to it’s decline.

12. Established Cusco as their capital In 1438, Pachacuti came to power.
Inca
The Inca began as a small tribe competing for fertile land in the Andes.
Established Cusco as their capital
In 1438, Pachacuti came to power.
He expanded the borders to include Peru, Chile, and parts of Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina.

14. Established an imperial language called Quechua.
Inca
Pachacuti created a strong central government that allowed local rulers to control territories.
Established an imperial language called Quechua.
Embarked upon a building program.
Terrace-farming (quinoa, potato, squash)
The Inca believed in many gods and had a variety of ceremonies to please them (human, animal, food sacrifices)

15. Review How are the Aztec and Inca similar?
How are the Aztec and Inca different?