BA 2/10

1. Explain the Mayan governmental structure.

2. Describe the religious beliefs of the Mayan.

3. How was the Olmec’s economy and influence spread?

EMPIRES OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

Standard 8

TenochtitlanSun Pyramid

Standard

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.

Aztecs

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

Aztecs continued

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

green represents hope, white stands for purity, and red symbolizes the color of blood for those who have died fighting for Mexico's independence.

Map of Aztec Empire

Characteristics of Tenochtitlan

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

Aztec Capital of Tenochtitlan

Stone Slab of the god of Earth from the Great Temple

Aztec Government and Economy

Government- Aztecs formed massive empire Controlled it through 38 provinces Received tribute from conquered peoples

Economy- survived on tribute and farming “floating gardens” (video)

Aztec Society

(1) Kings (2) Nobility (3) Commoners (4) Slaves

Aztec Religion

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

Aztec Technology

Like the Mayans, the Aztecs developed an accurate calendar & built advanced temples

Fall of Aztec Empire

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)

Montezuma

Fall of Aztec Empire continued

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)

Montezuma welcomes the Spanish with open arms offering them gold and other gifts Thinks Cortes was sun god

3 Reasons for Aztec Defeat

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)

Incas

1000’s-1500’s: Rule South America near the Andes Mountains

Begin to extend empire with the leadership of Pachacuti (video)

Incan Political Structures 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

Incan Government and Economy

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

Incan Society

(1) King (2) Nobility (3) Ayllu (commoners)

Incan Technology 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

Machu Picchu

Fall of Incans

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)

Francisco Pizarro

EA

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?

Assignment  Olmec Maya Aztec IncasWhere        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