Early Civilizations in Mesoamerica Aztecs Mayans Incas Mayan

Early Civilizations in Mesoamerica Aztecs, Mayans, Incas

Mayan Civilization n 1546 BC – 1500 AD Flourished between 300 -900 AD Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico

Mayan Civilization n n Each Mayan city had its own chief ruler Most were peasant farmers Chac, God of Rain -->

Mayan Underground Granaries Tikal - Wall Mask of the Rain God

Mayan Civilization n n The nobility performed sacred ceremonies & assisted rulers Astronomers measured the sun & moon to predict the future Chichen-Itza Observatory

Mayan Civilization n n The Maya engaged in frequent wars & captured soldiers were sacrificed They developed a ball game thought to have a religious significance

Mayan Civilization n n Around 9 th century, Mayan culture experiences great crisis – food shortage, epidemic, war? Last great city-state is Chichen Itza

Maya Achievements n n Builders – Cities, palaces, temples Math and Science – Complex calender, number system based on 0 Writing System – Hieroglyphics Artistry – Colorful murals child

Aztec Civilization n 1200 -1521, Mexico City Grew crops on floating gardens (Chinampas) Engaged in frequent wars to conquer people in region

Aztec Civilization n Worshipped many gods, Sun God was most important Needed human blood “keep burning” Used captured warriors or volunteers (Volunteers? ? ? )

Wall of Skulls, Tenochtitlan

Incan Culture n n 1200 -1535 Andes Mountains in South America

Incan Culture n n n Lived in high altitudes = cold temperatures Grew potatoes & other root crops Kept llamas and alpacas for wool Over 100 Different Types of Potatoes

Incan Culture n n n Built stone roads stretching 10, 000 miles Never developed writing Quipu: Bundles of knotted ropes to count, keep records, and send messages

Incan Culture n n n Ancient fortress city Machu Picchu Blocks weigh 50 tons each No cement, but perfect fit