1. AZTEC NOTES

2. TenochtitlanTenochtitlanTenochtitlan Built on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco. Fertile (good for farming) soil, but not much of it. They built chinampas (“floating gardens”) to create more farmland. It was also easy to protect, but hard to get to. They built 3 causeways (25 feet wide) – bridges to the mainland.

3. . It was also easy to protect, but hard to get to. They built 3 causeways (25 feet wide) – bridges to the mainland.

4. EMPIRE Aztec EmpireAztec Empire It was at its peak from 1428 to 1519AD The empire was based on: – Tribute collected from conquered people – Warfare to increase tribute and get laborers / sacrificial victims

5. EMPIRE – Warfare to increase tribute and get laborers / sacrificial victims no assimilation, no colonies, and no loyalty (a fact the Spanish used against the Aztec when they defeated them).

6. CLASS STRUCTURE King – ruled from Tenochtitlan (unlike the Maya, there was one ruler who ruled the empire, but all he really cared about was getting tribute). Government Officials – collected tribute and led building projects.

7. CLASS STRUCTURE Priests – led religious rites and trained children Commoners – professional traders, spies, artisans Peasants – farmed land but could not own it Slaves – war captives or criminals. Family Life Men obtained food and fought wars Women prepared food and bore children Marriages were arranged by matchmakers. polygamy was acceptable

8. CLASS STRUCTURE Family Life Men obtained food and fought wars Women prepared food and bore children Marriages were arranged by matchmakers. polygamy was acceptable

9. The INCA EMPIRE

10. Inca Beginnings Started in the Andes Mountains around Lake Titicaca Their bodies adapted to harsh climate (larger lungs and short, strong legs).

12. ROADS -15,000 miles of road connected all the parts of the empire (enough to stretch across the United States 5 times) They cut steps into the sides of mountains to make trade and travel easier suspension bridges made of twisted grass rope.

13. Terraces –Incans used terraces just like the Mayans. –Grew different crops at different altitudes (heights). –They needed to do this to provide enough food.

14. Stonework –Stonework no mortar o r cement was needed. a knife blade could not fit between stones Many Inca buildings are still standing.

15. Sapa Inca –descended from Inti, had complete authority. –Married sister to keep bloodline pure. –Chose heir from her children.

16. Nobles & Everyone Else »Nobles enforced laws (made sure Incas wore proper clothes and kept their houses clean) »Almost everyone else farmed – potatoes (200 types) – corn (eaten fresh, fried, or popped) Family Life

17. Nobles & Everyone Else Ayllus – groups of families who worked and maintained part of the emperor’s land. Food was collected and given to whoever needed it. Marriage by holding hands and exchanging sandals. The dead were mummified and continued to “live” with the family.