1. Mesoamerica: Before Columbus
AIM: What were the characteristics of civilizations in the Americas prior to European colonization?
Do-Now: What do you already know about Mesoamerican cultures?
4/20/16

2. The Empire of the Incas
• Located in the Andes Mountains of South America.
• Ruled by an emperor
• Economy based on high-altitude agriculture
• Polytheistic religion
• Had a complex road system

3. The Empire of the Incas Incan state was built on war.
The conquered peoples were all taught the same language.
Each region was appointed a governor who answered to the Emperor.
The Inca built roads to unify their people.

4. Empire of the Incas
The Incas were great builders with many buildings made of stone held without mortar.
Machu Picchu:
City built at 8,000 ft above sea level
Complex Architecture

5. Machu Picchu:

6. Document Based Essay
Complete questions associated with the documents about Mesoamerican cultures before Columbus.
After completing the documents, write a rough draft essay that answers the task listed on the DBQ worksheet.