The Americas : Mesoamerican Civilization7/25/2013 4:14:00 PM

Mesoamerica Now southern Mexico and Central America People first appeared in about 12,000BC Olmec 1st civilization of Mesoamerica 12,000-13,000 BCE Built the first pyramids developed the first writing systems Traded with other tribes Teotihuacn 1st major city in Mesoamerica Mayan Founder of the city is still unkown Two main temples o Temple of the sun and moon Located in Yucatan Peninsula and part of Guatamela Capital o Chichn Itza Group of city states ruled by a king Economy based on trade and agriculture Lived in an area of dense forests Polytheistic religion Cities-built around a central pyramid Pyramid-was topped with a shrine to the gods Mayan Kings o Claimed to be divine o Assisted by noble scribes o Perform human sacrifices Upper class included kings, priests, warriors, and merchants

Lower class included most of the Mayans Farmers (Men) had to give crops to the ruler and serve in the army Women made cornmeal and were responsible for homemaking and raising children Slaves held the lowest position in society Mayan Religion Polytheistic The most important God was the creator

Other gods included a sun god, moon goddess and maize god People believed they had to please the gods by offering human blood Special Occasions Mayan Downfall Began to collapsed around 900 AD Downfall is still unknown Mayan Achievements The Mayans developed and independent Hieroglyphic language Calendar o Solar Calendar o Moon Calendar The calendar started at around 3114 BC and ended on 2012 The Aztec 1100 AD-1521 Located in the arid valley of central mexico Tenochtitlan Ruled by an emperor Economy based on agriculture and tribute from the conquered people Polytheistic Lake Texcoco - where Tenochtitlan stood Aztec Emperor Ruled over the empire Supreme leader and claimed to be divine AZTEC DOWNFALL Hernan Cortez arrived in Mexico in 1519 The Inca 1300-1531 Located in the Andes Machu Pichu-Capital Ruled by an emperor Economy based on high-altitude agriculture Polytheistic Road system Incan state was built on war The conquered were forced to speak their language

7/25/2013 4:14:00 PM

7/25/2013 4:14:00 PM