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Explore the rich histories of the Olmec, Zapotec, Chavin, Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations. The Olmec, known for their colossal head sculptures and jaguar worship, emerged around 1200 B.C. The Maya contributed significantly to agriculture, social structure, and mathematics, flourishing between 1200 B.C. and 400 B.C. The Aztecs ruled the Valley of Mexico with military prowess and religious sacrifice, while the Inca unified their empire through extensive infrastructure in the Andes during the 14th and 15th centuries. Each civilization experienced unknown declines due to various factors, including disease and warfare.
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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)