The Aztec Aztec Origins The Aztec Empire was

The Aztec

Aztec Origins • The Aztec Empire was built in the Valley of Mexico • Aztecs arrived in the region around 1200 AD • According to legend, the Aztec were supposed to build their city in a place where an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its mouth • They founded the city of Tenochtitlan in 1325 on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco

Aztec Government and Society • The Aztecs slowly grew stronger, absorbing neighboring city-states and cultures • They were a warlike people who relied on force to rule their empire • They ruled a huge empire, regulating trade and collecting taxes from up to 15 million people • The Aztec empire was governed by a land-owning noble class of warriors, government officials, and priests. • Society also included commoners and slaves • The Aztec Emperor was the ultimate authority in Aztec society

Aztec Accomplishments • Built a grand city on a lake— Tenochtitlan • Had a population of up to 400, 000 people • Floating islands called chinampas for farming • Huge marketplaces and canals • Built aqueducts to supply fresh water to their cities • Had a base 20 mathematical system and accurate calendars • Had a mandatory system of free public education

Aztec Religion • Polytheistic, about 1, 000 different gods • Main god was Quetzalcoatl, who was god of learning, wind, death, and rebirth. • Often depicted as a feathered serpent • Worship centered around elaborate rituals that included offerings, dance, song, and ritual dramas. • Sacrificed thousands of humans to the sun god every year • Prisoners of war, slaves, and criminals • Need for sacrifices forced the Aztec to continue conquering new territories

The Inca

Incan Origins • The Incan empire occupied the Andes Mountains along much of the western coast of South America • Stretched from Ecuador to Chile, mostly included modern Peru • Empire was extremely mountainous • Emerged around 1200 AD in the valley of Cuzco • In 1438, Pachacuti expanded Incan society into an empire

Incan Government • The Inca had a highly-organized central government • Divided the empire into small units ruled by local governors • Imposed a single language (Quechua) • Created public schools • Built cities with standard layouts and architectures • Built a massive road network for trade • Regulated almost all commerce and trade • Required every citizen to donate labor (the mita) • Used the mita to build roads, public shelters, and granaries, and to provide for the poor and elderly.

Incan Accomplishments • Used the ayllu (extended family group) to complete projects too large for a single family • Irrigation systems, terraced farms, food stores, etc. • Figured out how to freeze-dry potatoes for times of famine • Performed brain surgery • Used a series of knotted strings called a quipu to keep records • Domesticated llamas for their wool and as pack animals • Built massive cities in difficult terrain • Created bridges, boats, and homes out of woven grasses

Incan Religion • Polytheistic—worshipped three main gods • Sun god, weather god, and moon god • Allowed conquered groups to keep their own religion • Sacrifices made to the gods were redistributed to the poor • Very rarely (but occasionally) sacrificed humans • Built large ceremonial cities dedicated to various gods, such as Machu Pichu