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The Americas. Mayan, Aztec and Inca. The earliest Americans . Olmec's -lived in Mesoamerica c. 1200 B.C., large head sculptures, “mother culture”, worshiped the jaguar, unknown decline Zapotec -lived in Mesoamerica c.1000 B.C., built first American urban center Monte Alban, Unknown decline
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The Americas Mayan, Aztec and Inca
The earliest Americans • Olmec's-lived in Mesoamerica c. 1200 B.C., large head sculptures, “mother culture”, worshiped the jaguar, unknown decline • Zapotec-lived in Mesoamerica c.1000 B.C., built first American urban center Monte Alban, Unknown decline • Chavin-Lived in the Andes mountains c. 900 B.C., possible S. American “mother culture”
The Maya • Lived in present day Mexico c. 1200 B. C.- 400 B.C., • Built Tikal • Featured a ball court (had religious and political significance) • Important food crops of maize, beans and squash • Developed social classes • Polytheistic • Practiced bloodletting and human sacrifices • Developed ideas in math, astronomy and use of calendars • Writing system-Glyphs, Codex • Unknown decline
The Aztecs • Located in the Valley of Mexico c. 1200- 1500’s • Founded the city of Tenochtitlan • Ruled by military conquest and tribute, but loose control over conquered subjects • Social classes • Worshipped many gods including Quetzalcoatl • Sacrificed many humans • Decline during rule of Montezuma because of rebellious provinces, Spanish arrival bringing disease
The Inca • Located in the Andes c. 14th & 15th centuries • Conquered through diplomacy and military force • Brought unity to the empire by : dividing territory in to manageable units, extensive road system, single official language • Practiced terracing • Developed the mitasystem • Worshipped nature spirits (i.e. Inti) • Important cities included Cuzco and Machu Picchu • Decline because of civil war and arrival of the Spanish (disease)