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1. Explain the Mayan governmental structure. 2. Describe the religious beliefs of the Mayan. 3. How was the Olmec’s economy and influence spread?
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Standard 8 Tenochtitlan Sun Pyramid
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SSWH8 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the development of societies in Central and South America. a. Explain the rise and fall of the Olmec, Mayan, Aztec, and Inca empires. b. Compare the culture of the Americas; include government, economy, religion, and the arts of the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas.
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Originally poor, nomadic people from the harsh deserts of northern Mexico Created major civilization in the Valley of Mexico Around 1200 arrived in Mexico and built Empire’s capital=Tenochtitlan in 1325 Modern-day Mexico-City Civilization ruled by monarchs Claimed they descended from gods
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According to Aztec legend, Aztec god of sun and warfare told the Aztecs to build their city where they saw an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake Led to the creation of Tenochtitlan
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green represents hope, white stands for purity, and red symbolizes the color of blood for those who have died fighting for Mexico's independence.
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Population: 200,000-400,000 people Many roads and streets Major marketplace to buy and sell goods Massive walled, complex filled with palaces and temples Great Temple: giant pyramid with 2 towers Towers dedicated to sun god and rain god
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Government- Aztecs formed massive empire Controlled it through 38 provinces Received tribute from conquered peoples Economy- survived on tribute and farming “floating gardens” (video)video
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(1) Kings (2) Nobility (3) Commoners (4) Slaves
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Polytheistic Sun god most important Worshipped gods of other civilizations Believed in an unending struggle between good and evil forces Played major role in society Made thousands of human sacrifices each year
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Believe sun god had to battle each night with evil forces to rise in the morning Sun god needs human blood as nourishment to fight evil forces Without regular sacrifices, sun god would be too weak to rise Sacrifice 1000’s of victims at the Great Temple Use prisoners of war, slaves, and criminals
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Like the Mayans, the Aztecs developed an accurate calendar & built advanced temples
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Around 1500, Aztecs began to decline 1502: Montezuma crowned Aztec emperor Under his rule, the empire begins to weaken Montezuma increases taxes and sacrifices Angers many conquered tribes (video)video
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True demise of the Aztecs came when the Spanish discovered America and conquered Aztecs 1519: Spanish forces led by Hernan Cortes land at Veracruz, off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico (video)video Montezuma welcomes the Spanish with open arms offering them gold and other gifts Thinks Cortes was sun god
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1. Cortes receives more troops 2. Spanish have horses, guns, and canons 3. Aztecs not immune to European diseases Ex: Smallpox, flu, and typhoid fever (video) (video)
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1000’s-1500’s: Rule South America near the Andes Mountains Begin to extend empire with the leadership of Pachacuti (video)video
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Incan state built on war All men required to join army Empire divided into 4 quarters Each quarter ruled by a governor Quarters divided into provinces Emperor rules entire empire Thought he descended from gods
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Vast empire including 80 provinces Ruled with tolerance Unified empire with roads, schools, and common language Economy- Incan gov’t controlled the economy Required all citizens to farm for the good of the empire
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(1) King (2) Nobility (3) Ayllu (commoners)
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Build extensive system of roads 24,800 miles of roads extend to border of modern day Colombia Build Machu Picchu Machu Picchu: religious city built as retreat for Incan nobility and rulers Around Urubamba River
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1520s- civil war divided and weakened Incan Empire 1531: Spanish arrive in Incan Empire led by Francisco Pizarro and conquer the empire Brings gunpowder and horses Incans have no immunities to European diseases (Smallpox)
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What are 2 theories for the decline of the Olmec? Which was the most important god for the Aztecs? Were the Aztecs polytheistic or monotheistic? What were 3 ways Mayans honored their gods?
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OlmecMayaAztecIncas Where Modern Nation(s) When Government Religion Economy Family Life Science / Architecture Relationship with neighbors Why did they fall? Who did the fall to? Major Cities
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