1. Civilizations of the Americas
Section 2: Andean Cultures of South America
Witness History Audio: Impressive Inca Roads
Cultures Develop in the Andes
In about 900 B.C., the Chavín people built a huge temple complex in the Andes. Between A.D. 100 and 700 the Moche people claimed an empire along the northern coast of Peru. They learned how to fertilize soil and irrigate plants. They built roads to connect parts of the empire. Between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500, the Nazca people etched geoglyphs in the desert of southern Peru.
Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How does Cieza de León react to the Inca road system?” (He’s very impressed by it.) “What does his reference to Alexander the Great suggest about the advancement of Inca engineering?” (The reference suggests that Inca engineering was highly advanced.)
When showing Color Transparency 35, have students write a short paragraph describing Inca goldwork and explaining what it reveals about Inca society.
Note Taking Transparency 73
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2. Civilizations of the Americas
Section 2: Andean Cultures of South America
Inca Rulers Maintain a Large Empire
The powerful Inca civilization appeared in the 1100s. In 1438, Pachacuti Inca proclaimed himself emperor. He began to conquer the neighboring peoples. Eventually, 2,500 miles along the Andes were ruled from Cuzco. There was no personal property in the empire, and men could be required to serve as laborers for a time. Records were kept by knotting strings called quipus. A single language and religion, as well as an extensive road system, united the empire.
Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How does Cieza de León react to the Inca road system?” (He’s very impressed by it.) “What does his reference to Alexander the Great suggest about the advancement of Inca engineering?” (The reference suggests that Inca engineering was highly advanced.)
When showing Color Transparency 35, have students write a short paragraph describing Inca goldwork and explaining what it reveals about Inca society.
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3. Civilizations of the Americas
Section 2: Andean Cultures of South America
Daily Life of the Inca
Inca life was strictly regulated. Farmers also labored on temples and other building projects. Some people were employed as metalworkers, others developed medical practices such as surgery. People celebrated monthly festivals that honored the many gods they worshipped.
Color Transparency 35: Inca Goldwork
Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How does Cieza de León react to the Inca road system?” (He’s very impressed by it.) “What does his reference to Alexander the Great suggest about the advancement of Inca engineering?” (The reference suggests that Inca engineering was highly advanced.)
When showing Color Transparency 35, have students write a short paragraph describing Inca goldwork and explaining what it reveals about Inca society.
Witness History Video: The Mummies of Peru
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4. Civilizations of the Americas
Section 2: Andean Cultures of South America
Looking Ahead
In 1525, the sudden death of the Inca emperor would come at a bad time. Civil war would break out just before the arrival of the Spanish.
Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “How does Cieza de León react to the Inca road system?” (He’s very impressed by it.) “What does his reference to Alexander the Great suggest about the advancement of Inca engineering?” (The reference suggests that Inca engineering was highly advanced.)
When showing Color Transparency 35, have students write a short paragraph describing Inca goldwork and explaining what it reveals about Inca society.
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
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5. Civilizations of the Americas: Section 2
Note Taking Transparency 73
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6. Civilizations of the Americas: Section 2
Color Transparency 35: Inca Goldwork
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7. Civilizations of the Americas: Section 2
Progress Monitoring Transparency
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