BELLWORK

1. BELLWORK • Today, we are going to focus on Medieval Mesoamerica and the three civilizations that dominated the region: Maya, Inca & Aztec. • Read pgs. 90-91 and answer the following: • Describe the background of Mayan civilization (when, where, peak, city-states, etc.) • Explain the Mayan religion. How did they worship their gods? • What advances did the Mayans make in science? • What advances did the Mayans make in writing? • Why did Mayan civilization collapse?

2. 2012 Phenomenon • 12/21/12 is regarded as the end-date of a 5,125 year long cycle in the Mayan Long Count Calendar. • Others suggest that the 2012 date marks the end of the world or a similar catastrophe. Scenarios suggested for the end of the world include the arrival of a solar maximum, or Earth's collision with an object such as a black hole, a passing asteroid, or a planet called “Nibiru” • Professional Mayan scholars state that predictions of collapse are NOT found in any of the classic Mayan accounts, and that the idea that the Long Count Calendar “ends” in 2012 “misrepresents Mayan history and culture.” • Most historians believe that this date marks the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one

3. Ruins in Telum, Mexico

4. Ruins in Coba, Mexico (Cancun)

11. Native American Empires • The Mayan collapse started in the 900’s AD, but by 1300, there was no trace left. • From the 1300s to the 1500s, two powerful civilizations ruled areas of Mexico, Central & South America: • The Aztec and Inca • Both were late-comers to power, but within 200 years they transformed themselves into huge empires. • They developed highly centralized governments, became productive farmers, builders, and artisans.

12. Aztec vs. Inca • In your notes, create a chart for the two civilizations. • With a partner, you will read about one of the civilizations and filling in your portion of the chart. • When your partner is finished, you will meet and complete the rest! • Aztec – pgs. 164-165 • Inca – pgs. 165-166

14. Aztec Ancient civilization made up of nomadic hunters and warriors who migrated into central Mexico in 1200s. Capital – Tenochtitlan Their capital was an agricultural center and marketplace (caused increase in population) Used chinampas: artificial islands for farming A network of canals and bridges connected the mainland with the capital city. At the center of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec built impressive pyramids, temples, and palaces.

17. Aztec • The Aztec expanded their empire by making good alliances and conquering rivals. • Their civilization was organized as a hierarchy: divisions based on authority. • Emperor, nobility, commoners, serfs, and slaves • Religion was the most important: believed sacrifices made the gods happy. • Aztec civilization ended when Spanish forces invaded and conquered their land in 1521.

19. Inca The Inca began as a small tribe competing for fertile land in the Andes. Established Cuzco as their capital In 1438, Pachacuti came to power. He expanded the borders to include Peru, Chile, and parts of Ecuador, Bolivia, and Argentina.

21. Inca Pachacuti created a strong central government that allowed local rulers to control territories. Established an imperial language called Quechua. The Inca emperor regulated the lives of common people. The Inca believed in many gods and had a variety of ceremonies to please them (human, animal, food sacrifices) Inca civilization ended with the Spanish conquering South America in 1531.

24. Review • How are the Aztec and Inca similar? • How are the Aztec and Inca different?

25. Unit 2 Review Game