2. CHAPTER 16: People and Empires in the Americas, 500–1500 Societies in the Americas range from small tribal bands to the vast empires of the Maya, the Aztecs, and the Inca. SECTION 2 SECTION 3 SECTION 4 Maya Kings and Cities The Aztecs Control Central Mexico The Inca Create a Mountain Empire

4. CHAPTER 16 SECTION 3 Through alliances and conquest, the Aztecs create a powerful empire in Mexico.

5. MESO- AMERICA

6. THE TOLTECS  About 900, warlike Toltecs rise to power  rule for about 300 years, built enormous temples  A warlike people, they rule by conquest  They worship fierce war god and offer human sacrifices  Toltec ruler Topiltzin tries to change religion, end human sacrifice  Ruler Topiltzin encourages worship of Quetzalcoatl— “Feathered Serpent” — a new peaceful god

7. Topiltzin is exiled to Yucatán Peninsula; by early 1200s, Toltec rule ends Quetzacoatl becomes legend of the Mexican Valley According to legend he traveled east on a raft of snakes Legend told that one day he would return bringing a new reign of peace

8. THE AZTECS

9. TENOCHTITLÁN: A PLANNED CITY  The city was planned in great detail on an island  Causeways (bridges) connect island city to mainland areas  Canals enable people to carry goods to city and its huge main market  Contained 400,000 people – the largest city in the world  Chinampas, floating islands, used to grow crops  Central area has palaces, temples, government buildings

10. CHINAMPAS

11. THE GREAT TEMPLE  The giant pyramid had 2 temples at the top  One dedicated to sun god  The other dedicated to the rain god

12.  Polytheistic  Religion includes 1,000 gods, many adopted from other peoples  Religious Practices  Center of religion is public ceremonies to win gods’ favor  Many religious festivals throughout year  Human Sacrifice  Most important rituals are for sun god, Huitzilopochtli  He needs human sacrifices (war captives) to be strong

13. QUETZALCOATL?

14.  In 1502, Montezuma II becomes emperor; he calls for more tribute  These sacrifices lead to revolt in outlying areas  Emperor tries to make life easier, but Aztecs worry about future  Soon after, Spanish arrive and conquer Aztecs  Conquered by Hernan Cortes CORTES https://w ww.youtu be.com/w atch?v=I0 xm3aiPU- w

15.  Which one of these statements is NOT true about the Toltecs A. They built pyramids and temples B. They entered into the Triple Alliance C. There were an extremely warlike people D. They dominated central Mexico before the Aztec did  Which fact about Quetzalcoatl is NOT true A. He was a violent god that demanded sacrifice B. He was depicted as a feathered serpent C. He was a god of the Toltec and the Aztec, among others D. His followers believed that his return would result in a golden age

16.  Which one of these statements is NOT true about the Toltecs A. They built pyramids and temples B. They entered into the Triple Alliance C. There were an extremely warlike people D. They dominated central Mexico before the Aztec did  Which fact about Quetzalcoatl is NOT true A. He was a violent god that demanded sacrifice B. He was depicted as a feathered serpent C. He was a god of the Toltec and the Aztec, among others D. His followers believed that his return would result in a golden age