1. The Empires in America before Columbus arrives.
Aztecs & Incas
       
       

2. The Aztec Empire Became the greatest empire of Mesoamerica
Located around the Valley of Mexico (Present Day Mexico City)

3. Early Aztec Empire First major city was Teotihuacan.
20 pyramids lined the road.
At its peak, had 150,000 to 200,000 people.
Most valuable trade item was obsidian; volcanic glass used to make razor-sharp weapons and art.
Toltecs eventually take over.
Were extremely war-like and practiced human sacrifice.

4. Teotihuacan, Obsidian, & Sacrificial Alter

5. Aztecs Later On
1200 AD, originally called the Mexica took over the Mexico Valley.
Poor nomads from the north.
Founded city Tenochititlan.
Form triple alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan.
5-15 million people.
Religion very important.
Worshipped the Sun God.
Human sacrifice every day.

6. Inca Empire Largest Empire in the Americas.
Located mainly in the Andes.
Capital was Cuzco in Southern Peru.

7. Early Incas Settled in the fertile lands of the Valley of Cuzco.
Worshiped the Sun God.
Believed their emperor was descendent from the Sun God.

8. Incas Later On
1438, Emperor Pachacuti concurred all of Peru and spread out the kingdom.
Around 16 million people.
Used a type of Socialist government.
14,000 miles of road built.
No writing system.
Machu Picchu
Kingdom split up and leads to civil war.

9. Emperor Pachacuti, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu