Mesoamerican Civilizations
Maya Aztec Inca
Agriculture in Mesoamerica
• Maize (Corn) : By 3400B.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