Latin America Maya Aztec Inca Time Periods PreClassic

Latin America Maya, Aztec, Inca

Time Periods: Pre-Classic, and Post-Classic Pre-Classic Post_Classic 2000 BC-300 AD Farming Simple groups of homes Adapted ideas from the Olmec • Developed writing • Built gov/religious buildings • 300 -900 AD • Improved Olmec building techniques • Built stone cities/decorated pyramids • Used astronomy and math to create calendars • Independent States with farming and government • Around 40 Cities including Tikal, Copan, Chichen Itza, Palenque. • 900 -1500 AD • Abandoned cities in the lowlands • Jungle cities fell to ruin • In Yucatan Peninsula, • Continued warfare and empire building. • •

Maya Ch. 23 Vocabulary Mesoamerica: “Middle America” the region extending from modern-day Mexico through Central America. Hieroglyphic: writing that uses pictures as symbols Ritual: A set of actions that is always performed in the same way as part of a religious ceremony. Sacrifice: a gift of an animal for slaughter as a way to honor the gods. Pok-a-tok: A Mayan ball game that had religious significance. Slash and Burn Agriculture: A farming technique in which vegetation is cut away and burned to clear land for growing crops.

Aztec Introduction: Ch. 24 Aztec “Short Story” • • City of Wonders • • Warfare and Tribute • • Other groups in Central Mexico first Aztecs arrive 1250 AD “Mexica” “Civilized” groups thought them barbarians. They were good fighters, though. Aztecs became mercenaries for the larger city-states. (soldiers for them) They married into and adopted customs/gods of these other groups Angered the Colhua chief by sacrificing his daughter Fled to the lake, built their city. Began to fill in the lake with small islands called “chinampas” creating floating gardens. Built large buildings around a central plaza. Four streets met at the city center. Causeways led from mainland to the island (only three) Conquered outsiders to gain resources Collected “tribute” from conquered groups to help maintain their empire Conquered groups did not feel like true Aztecs. Empire lacked unity, led to downfall.