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Early Civilizations in Mesoamerica

Early Civilizations in Mesoamerica. Aztecs, Mayans, Incas. Mayan Civilization. 1546 BC – 1500 AD Flourished between 300-900 AD Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Mayan Civilization. Each Mayan city had its own chief ruler Most were peasant farmers. Chac, God of Rain -->.

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Early Civilizations in Mesoamerica

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  1. Early Civilizations in Mesoamerica Aztecs, Mayans, Incas

  2. Mayan Civilization • 1546 BC – 1500 AD • Flourished between 300-900 AD • Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico

  3. Mayan Civilization • Each Mayan city had its own chief ruler • Most were peasant farmers Chac, God of Rain -->

  4. Mayan Underground Granaries Tikal - Wall Mask of the Rain God

  5. Mayan Civilization • The nobility performed sacred ceremonies & assisted rulers • Astronomers measured the sun & moon to predict the future Chichen-Itza - Observatory

  6. Mayan Civilization • The Maya engaged in frequent wars & captured soldiers were sacrificed • They developed a ball game thought to have a religious significance

  7. Mayan Civilization • Around 9th century, Mayan culture experiences great crisis – food shortage, epidemic, war? • Last great city-state is Chichen Itza

  8. Maya Achievements • Builders – Cities, palaces, temples • Math and Science – Complex calender, number system based on 0 • Writing System – Hieroglyphics • Artistry – Colorful murals child

  9. Aztec Civilization • 1200-1521, Mexico City • Grew crops on floating gardens (Chinampas) • Engaged in frequent wars to conquer people in region

  10. Aztec Civilization • Worshipped many gods, Sun God was most important • Needed human blood “keep burning” • Used captured warriors or volunteers (Volunteers???)

  11. Wall of Skulls, Tenochtitlan

  12. Incan Culture • 1200-1535 • Andes Mountains in South America

  13. Incan Culture • Lived in high altitudes = cold temperatures • Grew potatoes & other root crops • Kept llamas and alpacas for wool Over 100 Different Types of Potatoes

  14. Incan Culture • Built stone roads stretching 10,000 miles • Never developed writing • Quipu: Bundles of knotted ropes to count, keep records, and send messages

  15. Incan Culture • Ancient fortress city Machu Picchu • Blocks weigh 50 tons each • No cement, but perfect fit

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