1. Mayan – 300 CE -900 CE
Political –
City-States that were often at war with each other
Cities of near or over 100,000 people
Slaves used for Human Sacrifice
Rulers claimed to be related to gods to justify control
Sophisticated writing systems used to write many advanced books
Social –
Several classes in society, mostly made up of farmers
Human Sacrifice as a way to make gods happy
Polytheism
Advanced Calendar
What happened to them? No one really knows! Historians and scientists think it could have been invasion, natural disasters, or a drought that led to starvation.

3. Incan 1200 CE – 1535 CE
Political-
Empire was around 12 million people before their decline
All men required to serve in the military
Army of over 200,000 members
Well organized empire divided into 4 sections each with a governor
Each of those sections was divided into provinces, who had lesser governors that ruled them
Elaborate road system with bridges (even suspension bridges)
Social –
Different roles for men an women
Lots of farming in rural areas
Irrigation systems that allowed very successful farming
Elaborate architecture
Polytheism
System of record keeping called quipu that allowed for a very accurate record of supplies, military size and movement, and food.
Had public theater, along with poetry and music
What happened to them? Defeated by Spanish Explorer Franciso Pizarro in 1530s. Disease was the main destroyer of the Incans, along with guns and steel weapons.

4. Map of Incan Road systems
Map of Incan Road systems. In total it is estimated there were around 25,000 miles of road, enough to circle the entire earth at its widest point

5. Aztec – 1200CE – 1500CE Political –
Outstanding warriors, controlled most of modern day Mexico
Tribute system – convinced people to give them gold, supplies, slaves, etc. In return, the Aztecs would not invade them
Monarch (single ruler) – similar to a king or queen
Ruler said to have been related to gods to justify their control
Slavery
Elaborate system of roads
Social –
Several different classes – rulers, nobles or elites, farmers, and slaves
Women and Men had different roles in society
Women did have some rights, they could own property, work outside the house
Polytheism – religion that involved many gods
Practiced Human Sacrifice as part of religion to make the gods happy
What happened to them? Defeated by Hernan Cortes, a Spanish Conquistador (conqueror) in the 1520’s, by guns and disease