Mesoamerican Civilizations Maya Aztec Inca Agriculture in Mesoamerica

Mesoamerican Civilizations Maya Aztec Inca

Agriculture in Mesoamerica • Maize (Corn) : By 3400 B. C. the most important crop in Mesoamerica

Agriculture in Mesoamerica • Before Agriculture – – Hunter-Gatherers Move in search of big game Groups remain small Time consumed with hunting for food • After Agriculture – – Reliable and steady food source Families settled forming communities Developed new skills Complex societies rose

Mayan Civilization Traits • • Religion and theocracy City-states Agriculture Calendar

Mayan Strength and Power • • United culture Loyal to the King Wealthy and prosperous Surplus of food fed larger population

Mayan Decline • Physical and human resources funneled into religious activities • Frequent warfare • Population growth created a need for new land

Aztec Civilization Traits • • Religion and theocracy Powerful military Empire of tribute states Calendar

Aztec Strength and Power • United culture • Loyal to the Emperor • Added land, power and prisoners for religious sacrifice

Aztec Decline • Physical and human resources funneled into religious activities • Need for prisoners to sacrifice makes warfare less deadly and aggressive • Tribute states are rebellious

Incan Civilizations Traits • Religion and theocracy • Road system • Welfare state and huge bureaucracy

Incan Strength and Power • • United culture Loyal to the Emperor Connected entire empire and aided control Cared for entire population in good and bad times

Incan Decline • Physical and human resources funneled into religious activities • Enemies could use roads to move troops • People struggle to care for themselves without the welfare state