1. DO NOW: AP M.C. Question
The civilizations of the Sumerians, the Phoenicians, and the Maya were similar in that each
Developed extensive writing systems
Emphasized equality in education
Established monotheistic religions
Encouraged democratic governments
Performed human sacrifice

2. DO NOW: AP M.C. Question
One major difference between the Inca and the Aztec civilizations was
While the Inca were agrarian, the Aztecs were nomadic
The Aztecs built religious monuments while the Inca did not
Incans were monotheistic while the Aztecs worshipped many gods
The Aztecs developed a system of writing while the Inca did not
The Inca practiced human sacrifice, while the Aztecs did not

3. Primary Source Discussion:
Diego Durán, BOOK OF THE GODS AND RITES
In what ways had the customs of the marketplace survived, despite the imposition of Christianity? What had changed and what had remained the same?

4. Mesoamerican Civilizations 600 ce – 1500 ce
Teotihuacan, Maya Toltec, and Aztecs

6. Teotihuacan Power not concentrated into the hands of a single ruler
Scholars suggest Teotihuacan was ruled by an alliance of elite families
Collapsed around 650 CE
Perhaps due to resource mismanagement
Temple Complex, Teotihuacan

7. The Maya
Pyramid El Castillo, Tulum

8. The Maya Never unified politically
The most powerful cities controlled weaker cities by establishing a religious connection between rulers and the gods
Between 800 and 900 CE many major urban centers were abandoned or destroyed
Growing scholarly consensus points toward social unrest caused by environmental degradation
Mayan Ruler Stele

9. The Toltecs
Tula, Toltec Capital

10. The Toltecs
Their political power was derived largely from their military power and conquest
Two kings jointly ruled the Toltec
Sometime after 1000 CE the Toltec state declined and collapsed
Likely a result of their power sharing leadership
Toltec Warrior

11. The Aztecs
Tenochtitlan, Aztec Capital

12. The Aztecs Aztec rulers did not have absolute power
Huitzilopochtli
Aztec rulers did not have absolute power
Powerful aristocrats had a hand in selecting next ruler
Rulers would take part in conquest in order to legitimize their rule and to obtain slaves for both sacrifice and labor
Religion, ritual and sacrifice served to legitimize political authority

13. The Aztecs
The arrival of Europeans in the early 16th century would directly and permanently disrupt the continuity of the Aztec empire
Aztec Human Sacrifice

14. Continuity and change over time
With a partner, use the Change Analysis Chart to identify key continuities and changes in culture and politics amongst all Mesoamerican Civilizations
Utilize pages 269 – 277 as well as your CH 11 notecards and questions

15. Checking for Understanding
What one event or trend are you able to identify as a major contributor to change over time in Mesoamerican Civilizations? Why was this event or trend so impactful?
Write your answer on a loose piece of notebook paper. . .
I’ll be collecting these on your way out