1. explain the mayan governmental structure. 2. describe the religious beliefs of the mayan. 3. how...
TRANSCRIPT
BA 2/10
1. Explain the Mayan governmental structure.
2. Describe the religious beliefs of the Mayan.
3. How was the Olmec’s economy and influence spread?
EMPIRES OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
Standard 8
TenochtitlanSun Pyramid
Standard
SSWH8 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the development of societies in Central and South America.
a. Explain the rise and fall of the Olmec, Mayan, Aztec, and Inca empires.
b. Compare the culture of the Americas; include government, economy, religion, and the arts of the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas.
Aztecs
Originally poor, nomadic people from the harsh deserts of northern Mexico Created major civilization in the Valley of
Mexico
Around 1200 arrived in Mexico and built Empire’s capital=Tenochtitlan in 1325 Modern-day Mexico-City
Civilization ruled by monarchs Claimed they descended from gods
Aztecs continued
According to Aztec legend, Aztec god of sun and warfare told the Aztecs to build their city where they saw an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake
Led to the creation of Tenochtitlan
green represents hope, white stands for purity, and red symbolizes the color of blood for those who have died fighting for Mexico's independence.
Map of Aztec Empire
Characteristics of Tenochtitlan
Population: 200,000-400,000 people
Many roads and streets
Major marketplace to buy and sell goods
Massive walled, complex filled with palaces and temples
Great Temple: giant pyramid with 2 towers Towers dedicated to sun god and rain god
Aztec Capital of Tenochtitlan
Stone Slab of the god of Earth from the Great Temple
Aztec Government and Economy
Government- Aztecs formed massive empire Controlled it through 38 provinces Received tribute from conquered peoples
Economy- survived on tribute and farming “floating gardens” (video)
Aztec Society
(1) Kings (2) Nobility (3) Commoners (4) Slaves
Aztec Religion
Polytheistic Sun god most important Worshipped gods of other civilizations
Believed in an unending struggle between good and evil forces
Played major role in society
Made thousands of human sacrifices each year
Aztec Technology
Like the Mayans, the Aztecs developed an accurate calendar & built advanced temples
Fall of Aztec Empire
Around 1500, Aztecs began to decline
1502: Montezuma crowned Aztec emperor
Under his rule, the empire begins to weaken
Montezuma increases taxes and sacrifices Angers many conquered tribes (video)
Montezuma
Fall of Aztec Empire continued
True demise of the Aztecs came when the Spanish discovered America and conquered Aztecs
1519: Spanish forces led by Hernan Cortes land at Veracruz, off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico (video)
Montezuma welcomes the Spanish with open arms offering them gold and other gifts Thinks Cortes was sun god
3 Reasons for Aztec Defeat
1. Cortes receives more troops
2. Spanish have horses, guns, and canons
3. Aztecs not immune to European diseases Ex: Smallpox, flu, and typhoid fever
(video)
Incas
1000’s-1500’s: Rule South America near the Andes Mountains
Begin to extend empire with the leadership of Pachacuti (video)
Incan Political Structures Incan state built on war
All men required to join army
Empire divided into 4 quarters
Each quarter ruled by a governor Quarters divided into provinces
Emperor rules entire empire Thought he descended from gods
Incan Government and Economy
Vast empire including 80 provinces Ruled with tolerance Unified empire with roads, schools, and
common language
Economy- Incan gov’t controlled the economy Required all citizens to farm for the good of
the empire
Incan Society
(1) King (2) Nobility (3) Ayllu (commoners)
Incan Technology Build extensive system of roads
24,800 miles of roads extend to border of modern day Colombia
Build Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu: religious city built as retreat for Incan nobility and rulers Around Urubamba River
Fall of Incans
1520s- civil war divided and weakened Incan Empire
1531: Spanish arrive in Incan Empire led by Francisco Pizarro and conquer the empire Brings gunpowder and horses Incans have no immunities to European
diseases (Smallpox)
Francisco Pizarro
EA
What are 2 theories for the decline of the Olmec?
Which was the most important god for the Aztecs?
Were the Aztecs polytheistic or monotheistic?
What were 3 ways Mayans honored their gods?
Assignment Olmec Maya Aztec IncasWhere Modern Nation(s) When Government Religion Economy Family Life Science / Architecture
Relationship with neighbors
Why did they fall? Who did the fall to? Major Cities