Mesoamerica Maya Aztec Inca Empires Climate of Mesoamerica

Mesoamerica: Maya, Aztec, & Inca Empires

Climate of Mesoamerica Warm Temperatures n Plentiful Rainfall n Rich volcanic soils n – Maize, beans, and squash.

The Mayan Civilization n n Yucatán peninsula Developed around 1000 BC

Mayan Cities & Government n Classic Age – Mayans built: – Stone pyramids – Temples – Palaces

Mayan Society & Religion n Society – Kings ruled with absolute power n Religious Ceremonies – Offering of blood to the gods. – Human Sacrifice

Mayan Calendar n Maya had two calendars: – 365 day farming calendar – 260 day religious calendar

Chocolate-Best Achievement Ever!

Decline of Mayan Civilization n Factors: – Environmental Damage n Overuse of resources – Warfare Increased n Competition over lands – Abuse of Power by Kings

Aztecs Modern day Mexico Tenochtitlán was the capital city and is present day Mexico City.

Rise of the Aztec Empire n Population consisted of farmers & warriors. – Ruled 400 – 500 other city-states. – 5 Million people under Aztec rule.

Aztec Empire n Conquered people paid tribute. – Tax n Aztec Empire gained wealth: – Trade – Tribute

Aztec Religion – Human sacrifice was practiced heavily in the Aztec religion. n Believed that these sacrifices gave power to the gods

Inca n Largest Empire in Pre-Columbian America. n Built with stone, terrace farming.

Quipus to keep records (knotted strings)

Incas did Brain Surgery!