ancient world history (grade 6) · as the bantu migrated south, they also brought their languages...

Ancient World History (Grade 6)

1

CHARLES COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Ancient World History (Grade 6) Social Studies

Weeks 7 – 8 (May 18 – May 29)

Dear parents,

If your child is participating in distance learning solely through the completion of our

instructional packets, you are required to call or email the principal to inform them of

your child’s participating status, since packet-assignments will not be collected until a

later time. Please keep all your child’s work in a safe place until you are notified of

when, where, and how to submit. Thank you for your attention to this matter.


2

Estimados padres,

Si su hijo/a está participando en el aprendizaje a distancia completando solamente

nuestros paquetes de instrucción, deberá llamar o enviar un correo electrónico al

director para informarle sobre el estado de participación de su hijo/a, ya que las

asignaciones realizadas en los paquetes no se recopilarán hasta más tarde. Por favor

mantenga todo el trabajo de su hijo/a en un lugar seguro hasta que se le notifique

cuándo, dónde y cómo presentarlo. Gracias por su atención a este asunto.


3

Student: __________________________________________ School: _________________________________ Teacher: ___________________________________________ Block/Period: ___________________________

Packet Directions for Students Students should complete the following sections of the APEX MS World History course. WEEK 7 – 10.1 Lesson Overview: Sub-Saharan Africa Civilizations 10.1.1 Study: Sub-Saharan Africa Civilizations 10.1.5 Quiz: Sub-Saharan Africa Civilizations Take a quiz to assess your understanding of the material. WEEK 8 – 10.3 Lesson Overview: Mesoamerican Civilizations 10.3.1 Study: Mesoamerican Civilizations 10.3.5 Quiz: Mesoamerican Civilizations Take a quiz to assess your understanding of the material.

Week 7

10.1 Lesson Overview: Sub-Saharan Africa Civilizations Objectives • Describe the influence of geography on sub-

Saharan African civilizations. • Trace the influence of Christianity in Ethiopia

and the Axum Empire. • Explain how empires in western Africa

developed as a result of trade. • Trace the spread of Islam in sub-Saharan

Africa.


4

10.1.1 Study: Sub-Saharan Africa Civilizations

Use this study guide to answer questions about important concepts covered in this activity.

Define the following terms. If you come across additional words you don’t know, write them in the extra blank spaces. Try to figure out what the word means by looking at its context.

Terms Definition

Kingdom of Axum

Kingdom of Ghana

Kingdom of Mali

Mansa Musa

obelisk

Songhai Empire

stela

trans-Saharan trade network

Main idea: Africa is a geographically diverse continent with hundreds of different cultures and languages. 1. Africa has a diverse range of geographic features and climates. Use the table to take notes on how the geography of Africa has influenced the way human societies developed there.

Northern Africa

Western Africa

Central Africa

Eastern Africa

Southern Africa


5

2. The first humans developed in eastern Africa — and from there, they migrated to other parts of the continent and the rest of the world. Answer the following questions about African migrations.

a. When did Homo sapiens first evolve in Africa? b. What happened in northern Africa 6,000 years ago? What was the result? c. What impact did the Bantu migrations have on agriculture?

3. The people of Africa speak many languages and have developed a diverse range of traditions. Use the table to take notes on the cultures of sub-Saharan Africa.

Family and kin Farming Language

Oral history Music and dance Religion

Main idea: The Kingdom of Axum grew powerful as a center for trade between Africa, Asia, and Europe.


6

4. Around the year 100, a powerful kingdom developed in eastern Africa — the Kingdom of Axum. Answer the following questions about the Kingdom of Axum.

a. What are two reasons the Kingdom of Axum was very wealthy? b. Why did merchants from the Roman Empire pass through Axum? c. Which two bodies of water helped Axum build an important trade network?

5. Over time, Axum developed into an important center of Christian learning and tradition. Put events surrounding Christianity and the Kingdom of Axum in order by numbering them from 1 through 3.

Order Events

Wealthy Axumites built great works to celebrate the Christian faith.

Frumentius traveled to eastern Africa from Greece and became a teacher to the future king of Axum, Ezana.

Ezana of Axum accepted Christianity and made it the state religion of the Kingdom of Axum.

6. The Kingdom of Axum developed an advanced culture with many important achievements. Respond to the following prompts about Axumite culture and achievements.

a. What tall structures did the people of Axum build? What were they used for? b. Complete the sentence: Illuminated manuscripts in Axum described the ________________________

of the Christian religion in both _________________________.

c. What language was used in the Kingdom of Axum? Where did it come from? d. Axum saw the value in developing its own currency. Describe Axumite coins.


7

Main idea: Three large kingdoms controlled trade in western Africa: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. 7. Around 750, the Kingdom of Ghana developed in western Africa. The kingdom grew powerful by controlling the trans-Saharan trade network. Use the table to take notes on trade, religion, and the decline of the Kingdom of Ghana.

Trade Religion Decline

8. Around 1200, a new kingdom took shape in western Africa — the Kingdom of Mali. Put events surrounding the rise and fall of the Kingdom of Mali in order by numbering them from 1 through 4.

Order Events

Because of trade and the three large gold mines within its borders, Mali became a wealthy and powerful kingdom.

Another civilization invaded Mali and claimed much of its land, which led the kingdom to fall.

Mali's most famous king, Mansa Musa, helped spread Islam across his kingdom.

Fighting and loss of trade weakened Mali's control over western Africa.

9. The Mali king Mansa Musa became famous for his wealth and power. What four policies helped Mansa Musa grow his empire? 10. At its peak, the Songhai Empire was one of the largest in African history. Answer the following questions about the Songhai Empire.

a. How did the Songhai Empire view religions other than Islam? b. The Songhai had a strong army. How did they use it? c. Who led the Songhai Empire?


8

10.1.1 Study: Sub-Saharan Africa Civilizations

Sub-Saharan African Civilizations Africa is a geographically diverse continent with hundreds of different cultures and languages. Africa is the second-largest continent on the planet. It covers more than 20 percent of Earth's total land area. Because of its large size, Africa has a diverse range of geographic features and climates. These differences in land and climate influenced the way human societies developed in Africa.

African Migrations For as long as humans have existed, people have lived in Africa. The first humans developed in eastern Africa — and from there, they migrated to other parts of the continent and the rest of the world. Early humans migrated for many reasons. Sometimes natural conditions forced them to look for new places to live. Other times, they moved because they were looking for less crowded areas to live or simply wanted to explore. Humans have lived in Africa for more than 5 million years. Around 200,000 years ago, the first Homo sapiens evolved in Africa. Homo sapiens are modern humans, pretty much just like people today. Some early Homo sapiens moved to other parts of the world, while others settled on the grasslands and in the rain forests of Africa. Then, around 6,000 years ago, northern Africa experienced a process known as desertification, which is when a fertile area turns into a desert and humans can no longer survive or grow crops there. People living in what is now the Sahara desert had to migrate south into other parts of Africa to find better places to live. Another important event that influenced the spread of people and cultures across Africa was the Bantu migrations. Bantu refers to both a group of languages, known as the Bantu languages, and to the groups of people who speak Bantu languages. Historians believe Bantu peoples first lived in western Africa, near what is now Nigeria and Cameroon. Then, starting about 3,000 years ago, and for the next 1,500 years, Bantu speakers slowly migrated south and east from their homelands, most likely in search of better climates for farming.


9

The Bantu migrations had a great impact on the rest of Africa. The Bantu brought agricultural practices and stone technologies that had not yet developed in central and southern Africa, where people had primarily lived as hunters and gatherers. Over time, Bantu farming and herding practices replaced hunting and gathering as the primary way of life. As the Bantu migrated south, they also brought their languages with them. Today there are over 250 different Bantu languages, many of them spoken in central and southern Africa.

Cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa Throughout history, the people of Africa spoke many languages and developed a diverse range of traditions. Still, people across the continent shared many similar cultural characteristics.

For much of its history, African society was centered on family and kinship. Kin are people related by marriage or adoption. People in Africa lived in communities with kin groups — including their close family and more distant relatives. People were expected to work for the good of their family and kin. Many African cultures believed that helping the community was more important than helping oneself. Therefore, all members of a society had roles that supported the group. Many African governments were built on the bonds of kinship. In many areas of Africa, there was so much wild grain that people didn't have to plant their own. This allowed people to live as hunter-gatherers for thousands of years. However, after the Bantu migrations, many African societies became more focused on farming and herding animals. Men, women, and children all shared farming duties. The Bantu migrations, as well as the migrations of people from outside Africa, affected the development of languages on the continent. Today there are more languages spoken in sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else in the world. Hundreds of those languages come from Bantu. For example, the eastern African language of Swahili is a combination of Bantu and Arabic. Storytelling has been part of African culture since ancient times. Stories were meant to entertain, but they had other purposes as well: to teach history and values, and to exchange cultural ideas. Storytellers in western


10

Africa known as griots still practice the oral tradition today. Their spoken stories often have a musical or poetic rhythm that helps people remember what they hear. African culture has always been rich in sounds and rhythms. In the past, telling stories, exchanging information, and performing rituals involved singing, chanting, dancing, and music. Africans played a great variety of musical instruments, including drums, string instruments, different types of flutes and trumpets, and rattles and bells. Throughout its long history, Africa has been home to many different religions. Some religions believed in a supreme creator who made the world, and focused on honoring the dead and living in harmony with nature. Others also worshipped the spirits of animals or other natural forces — a practice known as animism. Followers of traditional African religions used ceremonies and performances in order to worship. In some religions, performers wore masks to represent different spirits.

The Kingdom of Axum The Kingdom of Axum grew powerful as a center for trade between Africa, Asia, and Europe. Around the year 100, a powerful kingdom developed in eastern Africa — the Kingdom of Axum. Over many years, Axum grew rich and powerful from trade. At its height in the 500s, the kingdom ruled lands in North Africa and the Middle East. The kingdom was located on the Red Sea, which was part of an important trade network that connected Europe to the Middle East and India. Axumite merchants traded with merchants from the Roman Empire and the Persian Empire and controlled much of the trade from India and the Indian Ocean.

The Kingdom of Axum controlled territory in northeastern Africa from about 100 to 940. The kingdom was located near freshwater streams and the coast and had a climate that allowed its people to grow crops. Axumites also produced ivory, olive oil, art, tools, and gold and other valuable metals. They were close to the trade routes on the Red Sea. Agriculture and trade helped make the kingdom very wealthy. The Red Sea has been a major shipping trade route since ancient times. European goods were shipped on the Mediterranean Sea and then transported by canals or over land to the Red Sea, where they were traded for


11

goods from Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India, and Asia. The Kingdom of Axum was in the perfect location to benefit from this trade. The Roman Empire was at its height during the time of the Kingdom of Axum. The empire covered almost all of Europe and extended into Central Asia and northern Africa. Roman ships carrying grain, wine, olive oil, and artistic goods passed through Axum on their way to trade for goods from Africa, India, and the Arabian Peninsula. It was difficult for civilizations outside of Asia to reach India by land, so much of India's trade with Europe, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula was done by sea. India shipped spices and cotton in exchange for goods from Europe and Africa.

Christianity and the Kingdom of Axum The availability of food, goods, and ideas from distant lands had a significant impact on the Kingdom of Axum. Through trade with the Roman Empire, the Axumites became exposed to the religion of Christianity. Over time, Axum would develop into an important center of Christian learning and tradition.

Christianity spread from its birthplace near Jerusalem through the Mediterranean region and into Africa during the 100s and early 200s. The religion reached new lands as missionaries traveled to tell their story along roads and trade routes. In the early 300s, a Greek man named Frumentius traveled to eastern Africa to teach Christianity. He helped spread Christianity in the Kingdom of Axum and became a teacher to the future king of Axum, Ezana. Because of his role in spreading Christianity, many Christians consider Frumentius a saint.

King Ezana, also known as Ezana of Axum, ruled the Kingdom of Axum from about 320 to 360. He was the first ruler in Africa to accept Christianity and make it a state religion. Before his rule, most people practiced traditional religions, although a few were followers of Judaism. During Ezana's rule, many people in Axum became Christians. In addition, a new church developed there — which later became known as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Ezana's former teacher Frumentius became the first bishop in Axum.

The wealth of the Kingdom of Axum allowed Axumite Christians to build great works, many of which still stand today. The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is considered one of the holiest Christian places in Ethiopia because some believe that the Ark of the Covenant rests there. The Ark of the Covenant is a box that is said to hold the Ten Commandments God gave to Moses.


12

Even after the Kingdom of Axum fell in 940, Christianity remained the largest religion in the region. Today, 45 to 50 million people carry on the religious traditions started by Ezana in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Axumite Culture and Achievements

Axumite Culture and Achievements The Kingdom of Axum developed an advanced culture with many important achievements. The Axumites created great works of architecture and made beautiful texts with detailed illustrations — known as illuminated manuscripts. They also developed their own written language and created their own coins to make trade easier. People in Axum built tall structures called stelae and obelisks. These structures were made from enormous pieces of stone. Many of the stelae from Axum were carved to resemble buildings and are believed to mark grave sites. Some are as tall as 80 feet, and they often bear inscriptions that provide important information about the kingdom. Under King Ezana, texts known as illuminated manuscripts described the traditions of the Christian religion in both words and images. Illuminated manuscripts from the Kingdom of Axum look similar to European works, providing an example of how cultures trade, blend, and borrow styles and traditions. The Kingdom of Axum developed its own written alphabet, based on a language known as Ge'ez, which traders from the Arabian Peninsula brought to the region. Inscriptions on stelae and obelisks were in Ge'ez, as were many Christian religious texts. Today, the spoken version of the language is still used in Ethiopian Orthodox Church services. Like other trading centers at the time, Axum saw the value in developing its own currency. Currency is important for trade because it has a standard value and can be used in distant places. Axumite coins were gold, silver, and copper and decorated with words and images. The text and images on the coins tell people today about the leaders and culture of Axum.

The Kingdom of Ghana Three large kingdoms controlled trade in western Africa: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Around 750, the Kingdom of Ghana developed in western Africa. Ghana was located between the Sahara desert and the west coast of the continent. The kingdom grew powerful through trade, and for hundreds of years, it controlled the trans-Saharan trade network.


13

Ghana developed between the salt mines of the Sahara and the gold mines of western Africa. Ghana itself had no gold mines, but it became wealthy by taxing the traders who passed through the kingdom with their gold and salt. Ghana controlled trans-Saharan trade for 300 years until the kingdom began to decline During the Kingdom of Ghana's early history, most of its people followed traditional religions. But as time passed, the religion of Islam grew increasingly popular. Islam — which began in the Middle East — spread into Africa as the powerful Muslim Empire conquered lands in the north. By the 800s, Islam had reached western Africa, including the Kingdom of Ghana. Muslim traders from northern Africa helped spread the religion, and many of Ghana's kings became Muslim as well. The Kingdom of Ghana began to decline in the late 1000s. Ghana was attacked by Muslim invaders from northern Africa, which weakened the kingdom. Environmental factors, like drought, may have played a role in Ghana's decline as well. At the same time, trade in Ghana slowed as traders began following new routes that avoided the kingdom's borders. Without control over the gold trade, Ghana lost much of its wealth. In 1240, a new and growing kingdom — the Kingdom of Mali — took control of the region.

The Kingdom of Mali Around 1200, a new kingdom took shape in western Africa — the Kingdom of Mali. Over time, Mali grew into a large empire and controlled trade along the trans-Saharan trade network. The Kingdom of Mali became a major center of culture and religion.

Mali began as a small part of the Kingdom of Ghana. As Ghana weakened, Mali formed its own kingdom. New trade routes connecting the Sahara desert in the north to the coast of western Africa helped Mali grow wealthy. In 1240, Mali absorbed the fading Kingdom of Ghana, extending Mali's borders. The Mali king Sundiata reestablished the salt and gold trade and expanded trade routes as well. Unlike Ghana, which only served as a transit point for gold, the Kingdom of Mali had three large gold mines within its borders. This helped Mali grow even more wealthy than Ghana.


14

Trade helped the Kingdom of Mali quickly grow rich and powerful. By 1350, the kingdom ruled a large part of western Africa. It also controlled much of the region's trade in gold, copper, and salt. During this period, the religion of Islam spread farther into western Africa. Mali's most famous king, Mansa Musa, was a devoted Muslim who helped spread Islam across his kingdom.

In 1389, the Kingdom of Mali entered a period of conflict. Kings lost power, and different groups within Mali fought to become rulers. This conflict caused the Kingdom of Mali to weaken. At the same time, trade patterns began to change. For decades, most trade from northern Africa was done by caravan. But in the 1400s, trade began moving along the coasts instead. These changes weakened Mali's control over trade in western Africa.

By 1545, the Kingdom of Mali was in decline. A new empire — the Songhai — began to invade Mali and claim its lands. New African kingdoms rose along the west coast as well. Without control over trans-Saharan trade, the Kingdom of Mali weakened and lost even more territory. In 1670, invaders defeated Mali once and for all.

Mansa Musa At its height, the Kingdom of Mali was one of the world's richest. Its most well-known ruler, King Mansa Musa, became famous for his wealth and power. Mansa Musa helped grow his kingdom, supported trade and education, and encouraged the spread of Islam in western Africa.


15

Mansa Musa worked to improve his kingdom's economy. He strengthened trade with other African kingdoms, helping Mali gain access to new goods. He also increased trade with Muslim empires in northern Africa and the Middle East and even made contacts in Europe. Trade made his kingdom wealthy, and Mansa Musa was world-famous as one of the richest men alive. Mansa Musa built a strong army and used it to win control over new lands. During his rule, he established firm control over the major city of Timbuktu, which often faced threats from invaders. Mansa Musa was a major supporter of education. He established an important university in Timbuktu and built the largest library in Africa since ancient times. During his rule, the Kingdom of Mali became a center of learning, and scholars from across Africa and the Middle East studied there. Mansa Musa was a dedicated Muslim who wanted to spread Islam. He spent two years of his rule traveling to Mecca, a holy city for Muslims. Mansa Musa encouraged people across his kingdom to support Islam and had dozens of mosques and other religious buildings built.

The Songhai Empire As the Kingdom of Mali declined, another powerful group rose to win control of trade in western Africa — the Songhai Empire. Like earlier kingdoms, the Songhai people grew wealthy from controlling the trans-Saharan trade network. At its peak, the empire was one of the largest in African history. Eventually, the Songhai Empire lost control over trade routes — and as a result, lost much of its wealth. Although the empire was defeated in 1591, it left a lasting impression on western Africa. The Songhai were dedicated Muslims. They helped spread Islam as they conquered new lands. Although they encouraged their people to become Muslim, some leaders allowed for religious freedom. For example, the Songhai ruler Askia the Great allowed people to follow the religion of their choice. The Songhai's religious policies helped them control lands where both Muslims and non-Muslims lived. The Songhai Empire was largely built by force. Using their powerful army, Songhai leaders won control over new lands by conquering them — especially from the rival Kingdom of Mali. They fought to win control over trade routes and resources, like salt and gold mines. Songhai soldiers often fought on horseback with spears, swords, and bows and arrows. Elite soldiers fought in metal armor — like that of European knights, but specially crafted for fighting in warmer climates. The Songhai Empire built a strong government led by an emperor. Under the emperor, governors ruled smaller regions. However, most power remained with the emperor, who created new laws based on traditional rules and Islamic teachings.


16

10.1.5 Quiz: Sub-Saharan Africa Civilizations

1. Eastern African civilizations were able to participate in sea-based trade because of which geographic

feature?

A. Tropical rain forests

B. Long coastlines

C. Large deserts

D. Dry grasslands

2. Which statement best completes the diagram?

A. Christian settlers establish Axum.

B. Christian leaders control Axum's government.

C. Christian armies capture Axum.

D. Christian missionaries travel to Axum.


17

3. How did the Kingdom of Ghana grow wealthy and powerful from 750 to 1240?

A. By controlling salt and gold trade routes

B. By hunting and gathering food

C. By capturing almost all of northern Africa

D. By building the world's largest army

4. Mali grew into an economic power because it:

A. agreed to make Christianity its state religion.

B. controlled trade routes and natural resources.

C. forced native peoples to leave their land.

D. united southern and eastern African tribes.

5. Islam spread throughout Africa because:

A. Muslim traders visited western African cities.

B. Muslim settlers created new African cities.

C. Muslim women married African men.

D. Muslim priests encouraged Africans to become Christian.


18

Week 8

10.3 Lesson Overview: Mesoamerican Civilizations

Objectives

• Identify the shared cultural characteristics of early Mesoamerican civilizations.

• Identify significant achievements of the Maya civilization.

• Describe how the Aztecs grew and maintained oversight of their empire.

• Explain the reasons for the fall of the Aztec Empire.

10.3 Study: Mesoamerican Civilizations Use this study guide to answer questions about important concepts covered in this activity. Define the following terms. If you come across additional words you don’t know, write them in the extra blank spaces. Try to figure out what the word means by looking at its context.

Terms Definition

Aztec Empire

Hernán Cortés

Maya civilization

Mesoamerica

Moctezuma II

Olmec civilization

Tenochtitlán

tribute

Yucatán Peninsula


19

Main idea: Mesoamerica was a geographically diverse region where many civilizations thrived. 1. Humans migrated to Mesoamerica at least 12,500 years ago. Answer the following questions about the geography of Mesoamerica and how it influenced the civilizations that developed in the region.

a. Why were plateaus good places for human settlement? b. Mountains and volcanoes stretched along both coasts of Mesoamerica. What role did volcanoes play in making mountainous regions a good place for human settlement? How did people adapt to the mountains? c. What were the conditions like in the rain forests? How did early humans adapt to those conditions? d. Some early Mesoamericans settled on the banks of rivers. What were three benefits of living near rivers?

2. Mesoamericans built several powerful and complex civilizations over the years. Put the developments related to early Mesoamerican civilizations in order by numbering them 1 through 6.

Order Developments

The Zapotecs lived in what is now southern Mexico and built great religious temples out of stone.

The Mayas developed an incredibly accurate calendar and advanced mathematics.

The Aztec Empire, centered on the city of Tenochtitlán, gained control of much of the region.

The Olmec civilization farmed, created works of art, and developed a system of writing as well as a calendar.

Teotihuacan became the largest city in the Americas and was home to at least 100,000 people.

The Toltecs, a military people who won power through force, became a great influence on later civilizations.


20

Main idea: The Olmec built the first complex society in Mesoamerica. 3. The Olmec civilization developed in the same basic way almost all civilizations do when forming complex societies. Complete the timeline with a brief description of each step in its development.

4. Once a civilization like the Olmec is established, the people have more time to create art, structures, and other goods. Use the table to take notes on Olmec achievements.

Sculpture

Artwork

Writing

Astronomy

Main idea: The Mayas are known for their achievements in math, astronomy, architecture, and writing. 5. The Mayas built one of the longest-lasting civilizations in Mesoamerica. Complete the sentences about the Maya government. The Mayas had a __________________ government made up of multiple city-states.


21

Despite not having a centrally organized government, Maya city-states were connected by _______________

and a shared _________________.

6. Complete the diagram to show the social structure of the Maya civilization.

7. Briefly describe daily life and religion in the Maya civilization. 8. The Mayas developed one of the most advanced cultures in the world. Complete the table to describe the cultural achievements of the Mayas in the fields of agriculture, mathematics, and architecture, along with their calendar and writing systems. Some sections have been completed for you.

Achievements

Agriculture Built mounds for crops in wet areas, practiced slash-and-burn farming, and used canals to move freshwater to fields

Mathematics

Architecture

Calendar Developed three accurate calendars by observing the stars

Writing


22

Main idea: The Aztecs built the most powerful empire in Mesoamerica. 9. Tenochtitlán was the capital of the most powerful empire in Mesoamerica: the Aztec Empire. Put events related to the growth of the Aztec Empire in order by numbering them 1 through 3.

Order Events

The Mexicas, the Texcocos, and the Tlacopans formed an alliance and created the powerful Aztec Empire.

The Mexicas built a settlement on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco that grew into the city of Tenochtitlán.

Moctezuma I used military force and trade to make the Aztec Empire the most powerful civilization in Mesoamerica.

10. The government of the Aztec Empire managed lands that stretched across Mesoamerica. Use the table to take notes about ruling the Aztec Empire.

Leadership

Military Tribute Trade


23

11. Answer the following questions about daily life in the Aztec Empire.

a. What were the four levels of Aztec society? b. Aztec society was male dominated. What positions of power could women hold in Aztec society? c. In one or two sentences, describe religion in the Aztec Empire. d. What was daily life like for Aztec men, women, and children?

12. Although the Aztecs were very powerful, it took only a few years for their empire to fall apart. Put events from the fall of the Aztec Empire in order by numbering them 1 through 3.

Order Events

Hernán Cortés captured Tenochtitlán, destroying the Aztec Empire and allowing the Spanish to take control of the area.

After the Spanish took the emperor prisoner, Aztec soldiers attacked, but Moctezuma II was killed in the fighting.

Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés arrived in Tenochtitlán and demanded gifts of gold and other goods from the Aztec emperor, Moctezuma II.


24

10.3.1 Study: Mesoamerican Civilizations

Mesoamerican Civilizations Mesoamerica was a geographically diverse region where many civilizations thrived. Humans migrated to Mesoamerica at least 12,500 years ago. Over several thousands of years, Mesoamerican peoples learned to farm and built civilizations both large and small. Mesoamerica is an area between North and South America. It includes what is now the southern part of Mexico and the northern part of Central America. The geography of Mesoamerica is very diverse. The land includes high mountain ranges, level plateaus, rivers, and rain forests. The different features of the land affected how civilizations developed in the region. The largest population centers in Mesoamerica were located in the central plateau region. The soil there was rich, the land was flat, and the large, middle part of the plateau got enough rainfall to support farming. The plateaus were good places for human settlement. Mountains and volcanoes stretched along both coasts of Mesoamerica. Material from volcanic eruptions made the soil good for growing crops. People who lived in the mountains cut steps in mountainsides for their fields, using a technique known as terrace farming. Some early Mesoamericans settled on the banks of rivers, which were an important source of food and freshwater. The rivers provided fish and attracted animals living nearby. They also offered a way to travel or transport goods. When the rivers flooded, they left behind rich soil that was good for growing crops. The southern part of Mesoamerica, specifically the Yucatán Peninsula, had many jungles and rain forests. The weather in this region was warm and wet. Early Mesoamericans living in the area relied on fishing and hunting for much of their food. They also learned how to grow crops on mounds of earth built in swampy areas.

Early Mesoamerican Civilizations Mesoamericans built several powerful and complex civilizations over the years. Most of what we know about these civilizations comes from artifacts and ruins they left behind.


25

The first major civilization to develop in Mesoamerica was the Olmec civilization. The Olmec lived along today's Gulf of Mexico as early as 3,500 years ago. Like most Mesoamerican groups, the Olmec were polytheistic, meaning they believed in more than one god. They built cities that included stone monuments and raised mounds for religious ceremonies. The Olmec also farmed and created works of art, including enormous stone sculptures of human heads. They developed a system of writing, as well as a calendar.

The Zapotecs were farmers and traders who lived in the southern part of what is now Mexico as early as 2,500 years ago. They built great temples out of stone. Religion played a central role in their lives, and they worshipped many gods. Like the Olmec, they created a writing system, a calendar, and many works of art.

Built more than 2,000 years ago, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the Americas. It was located near what is now Mexico City and was home to at least 100,000 people. Little is known about the people who lived in Teotihuacan, but they did leave behind enormous pyramids and a famous street archaeologists call the "Avenue of the Dead."


26

The Mayas created a civilization on the Yucatán Peninsula and in the surrounding area. Like people in earlier Mesoamerican civilizations, the Mayas worshipped many gods, built pyramids, farmed, and created impressive artwork. They also developed an incredibly accurate calendar and advanced mathematics.

Most of what we know about the Toltecs comes from later civilizations that wrote about them. The Toltecs were a military people who won power through force. They built ceremonial structures, including pyramids decorated with animals and warlike scenes. Their influence reached far across Mesoamerica and inspired the powerful Aztec civilization that emerged after the Toltec civilization declined.

The Aztec Empire was centered around the city of Tenochtitlán, near what is now Mexico City. At its height, between 5 million and 13 million people lived in territories controlled by the Aztecs. Most of these territories were gained by military conquest. The emperors who ruled the Aztecs demanded that conquered people pay a form of taxes called a tribute. Like the Mesoamerican civilizations before them, the Aztecs worshipped many gods and created great works of art.

The Olmec Civilization The Olmec built the first complex society in Mesoamerica Agriculture developed in Mesoamerica about 6,000 year ago. People discovered that they could domesticate — or control the production of — wild plants and animals. They no longer had to move from place to place in search of food and instead could live more settled lives. They built farms and


27

permanent settlements. Eventually these settlements developed into complex societies called civilizations. The Olmec civilization was the first major civilization in Mesoamerica. It followed the same steps almost all civilizations follow when developing complex societies. Step 1: The Olmec build a society based on agriculture. One of the first crops to be domesticated in Mesoamerica was corn, also called maize. Perhaps as early as 6,000 years ago, Mesoamericans were growing corn as a staple of their diets. Corn was ground into many types of food and could be stored over long periods. People also domesticated beans and squash. The Olmec lived in a wet and swampy area by the Gulf of Mexico near two major rivers. They learned to build mounds in the wet lands to grow their crops. The Olmec focused on growing corn, beans, and squash. Step 2: The Olmec learn to build and to specialize. Throughout the world, as people learned to domesticate plants and animals, they developed food surpluses. In other words, they grew more food than they needed, and they were able to store and use it year-round. Having this surplus gave people time to focus on tasks other than hunting and gathering food. They began learning new skills and focusing on different types of work. This process is called specialization. For the Olmec, specialization resulted in grand architecture and impressive artistic achievements. Some Olmec, it seems, built monuments and religious buildings, some carved enormous heads to represent their rulers, and some became priests who performed rituals to ask the gods for protection. Step 3: The Olmec develop cities. Farming led to the development of permanent settlements. Over time, as more and more food was produced, these settlements grew into villages and eventually into cities. Like cities today, the world's first cities were home to many people. They were also centers of culture and trade. Two significant Olmec cities were San Lorenzo and La Venta. Both cities sat next to rivers that provided sources of water, food, and transportation. The Olmec built advanced drains that carried water from the rivers into the cities. Both cities also built impressive stone buildings and temples.

Olmec Achievements Once a civilization like the Olmec is established, the people have more time to create art, structures, and other goods. Many objects the Olmec created remain today, and they help us see the influence the Olmec had on later cultures. These objects also help us understand more about ancient people and how they lived. Probably the most well-known Olmec artifacts are the huge stone heads they carved from volcanic rock. Seventeen of these enormous heads have been discovered so far. They were carved from boulders that weighed up to 50 tons and were probably moved by boat. Historians believe the heads are sculptures of Olmec rulers. Some of the stone heads are wearing helmets, some have carvings of jaguar skins draped over them, and all have interesting expressions on their faces. In contrast to the enormous stone heads they carved, the Olmec also made smaller, detailed works using clay, jade, and other stones. These works were sometimes shaped like humans, and often shaped like animals such as jaguars, snakes, and alligators. Much of Olmec artwork shows a belief in supernatural beings, such as half-human and half-jaguar creatures known as were-jaguars.


28

Olmec writing, like most Mesoamerican scripts, is pictorial instead of alphabetical. This type of writing is called hieroglyphics. The Olmec developed the earliest known written language in the Americas. Artifacts show their system of writing was complex, although no one has been able to translate it. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Olmec may have been able to predict astronomical events such as eclipses. In addition, their calendar shows they understood that Earth revolves around the sun once every 365 days.

The Maya Civilization The Mayas are known for their achievements in math, astronomy, architecture, and writing. The Mayas built one of the longest-lasting civilizations in Mesoamerica. Settling in the region as early as 4,000 years ago, the Maya civilization reached its height between the years 250 and 900 CE. Although the Mayas' culture shared many characteristics with other Mesoamerican civilizations, several important features — particularly their government — made them unique.

The Mayas had a decentralized government made up of multiple city-states. Each city-state had its own government and ruler. The city-states sometimes fought each other to win control of land and resources. The Maya civilization changed shape and size over time as city-states grew, fell, and changed alliances. Despite not having a centrally organized government, Maya city-states were connected by trade and a shared culture. The Maya social structure placed the ruling class at the top. The leader of a region or city-state — usually a king, but sometimes a queen — and his or her family were the highest power. The Mayas believed that the ruler could communicate with gods, so the king or queen was also a religious leader. Next was the nobility, which included priests, merchants, and high-level warriors. The largest class was commoners, or peasants. This group included farmers, hunters, and soldiers. At the bottom were slaves, who were mostly prisoners from battles with other city-states. The Mayas were polytheistic, which means they believed in more than one god. There were Maya gods for the sun, moon, corn, and many other natural elements. Many of the Mayas' religious practices centered on bloodletting — the act of drawing some blood from a body — and human sacrifices. The Mayas believed their gods appreciated offerings of blood and human hearts.


29

The Mayas built large pyramids and temples for their religious ceremonies. The Temple of the Great Jaguar in the city-state of Tikal towered over people who came to worship there. Built to honor a king of Tikal, the pyramid had a shrine at the top with many decorations, including a carving of the king being protected by a jaguar. Archaeological evidence gives historians some idea of what life was like for the Mayas. Commoners likely lived in one-room huts with their entire families. Unlike rulers and nobles, who lived within the cities, commoners lived in the surrounding areas. Maya men spent their days farming or building the temples and other city structures. Maya women wove cloth, made pottery, and took care of the children. Meals often included tortillas, tamales, or other products made of corn. People also took part in religious rituals. In their free time, Mayas often played a game in which teams of players bounced a rubber ball through a stone hoop without using their hands.

Cultural Achievements of the Mayas Even though — or maybe because — the Mayas were not united under a strong central government, they made many achievements. The Mayas developed one of the most advanced cultures in the world.

Maya math may have been the most advanced in the world at the time. The Mayas' most important mathematical achievement was the invention of zero. This allowed the Mayas to work with incredibly large numbers with great accuracy. In fact, the invention of zero, combined with the Mayas' knowledge of astronomy, allowed them to calculate the exact length of a year — 365 days. The most recognizable type of Maya architecture is great stone pyramids. The Mayas used stone tools to shape local materials to make the buildings in their cities. The layout of Maya cities shows that they planned them carefully. When they built cities near rivers, they constructed suspension bridges over the water. The Mayas learned so much by observing the stars that they were able to develop three incredibly accurate calendars. One had 365 days, to represent the solar year. The solar calendar was used largely for planting crops and keeping records. Another was a 260-day calendar that was used to time religious events. The third, known as the Long Count calendar, tracked periods of time in almost 8,000-year units. The Mayas used many techniques to grow food. In wet areas, they built raised mounds for their crops. In areas with many trees, they practiced slash-and-burn farming, cutting down and burning forests to create fields for


30

crops. Freshwater on the Yucatán Peninsula could be found only in caves and sinkholes; Mayas used canals to move water from those places to their fields. The Mayas created a writing system using detailed symbols called hieroglyphics that could be combined to build words and phrases. These hieroglyphics were carved on monuments and buildings, painted on pottery, and printed on forms of paper, and they offer people today information about the lives of the Maya people. Most of the Maya city-states were abandoned around the year 900, and there's no clear reason why. Archaeologists believe the Mayas could have been victims of drought or increased fighting between city-states. The few Maya cities that survived this period were defeated when the Spanish arrived in the 1600s. Despite the destruction of their city-states, some small groups of Mayas survived and continue to thrive today.

The Aztec Empire The Aztecs built the most powerful empire in Mesoamerica. Between 1300 and 1521, Tenochtitlán was the largest city in the Americas. Located in what is now Mexico City, Tenochtitlán was the capital of the most powerful empire in Mesoamerica: the Aztec Empire. The Aztecs created their empire through a powerful military. As they conquered nearby peoples, they demanded the people pay them tribute.

In the early 1300s, a group of people known as the Mexicas migrated from the north to the area that is now the center of Mexico. In 1325, the Mexicas founded a settlement on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco. The settlement quickly grew into the city of Tenochtitlán. It became the center of a powerful kingdom. Mexica leaders began to expand their territory by conquering nearby towns.

In 1427, the Mexica people created an alliance with the people of two other powerful kingdoms – the Texcocos and the Tlacopans. Together, these three kingdoms formed the Aztec Empire. The empire was led by Itzcoatl, the Mexica king, who ruled from Tenochtitlán. The Aztecs used their powerful military to conquer several other cities in Mesoamerica and quickly became a powerful force in the region.


31

In 1440, Moctezuma I became the second emperor of the Aztecs. During his rule, he used both military force and trade to gain control over more land. By the time of his death, Moctezuma I had established the Aztec Empire as the most powerful civilization in Mesoamerica. The empire stretched hundreds of miles. During this time, the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán was home to as many as 200,000 people.

Aztec Government The government of the Aztec Empire managed lands that stretched across Mesoamerica. In order to maintain control over the region, the Aztec emperor used military force, trade, and a system of tribute.

The leader of the Aztec Empire was the emperor. He lived in Tenochtitlán and was believed to be connected to the gods. He had an administrator below him, and a council of four noblemen. Together, these six individuals determined how the empire should be run. The Aztecs allowed local leaders to stay in power in lands they conquered — as long as the leaders were loyal to the emperor. The Aztec Empire used its military to control its lands. Aztec soldiers were usually commoners who fought for the emperor when called upon. The most successful soldiers became known as jaguar warriors and had higher status in the empire. When the Aztecs conquered an area, they often took many prisoners. These prisoners were sometimes kept as slaves or used in ritual sacrifices to honor the gods. The Aztec Empire required all people it conquered to pay tribute to the empire. The emperor determined what, and how much, tribute each conquered group had to pay. Tribute came in the form of clothing, food, animal skins, military items, and other valuable goods. Many conquered people strongly resented having to pay tribute to the Aztec Empire and losing their friends and family to sacrifices.


32

The Aztec Empire used trade to influence people both in and around their lands. Trade routes connected every corner of Aztec territory. Aztec merchants traveled throughout the empire to sell their goods. Aztec villages and cities often had marketplaces where food, jewelry, artwork, clothing, and other goods were traded. People used gold, cocoa beans, or other valuable items as money.

Daily Life in the Aztec Empire Do you think you might have enjoyed living in the Aztec Empire? The Aztecs' daily lives were probably a bit different from what you're used to, though you might be surprised to find a few similarities. Life in the Aztec Empire was in many ways similar to life in other Mesoamerican civilizations. At the top of Aztec society was the emperor. He was the highest power in the empire. Under the emperor were nobles. They included leaders of government and the military, priests, and judges. Women could hold some leadership roles in Aztec society. They could be priests and doctors, for example. But Aztec society was pretty male dominated. The largest social group was the commoners. They fell below the nobles and typically included farmers, merchants, and soldiers. At the bottom of Aztec society were slaves. Slaves had some rights in the Aztec Empire. They were not born into slavery, but they became slaves as punishment for crimes or because they were prisoners of war. Like other Mesoamerican civilizations, the Aztec were polytheistic. Religion was at the center of Aztec life. Aztec rulers were believed to be able to communicate with the gods. Battles took place to collect prisoners, who could be sacrificed to the gods and bring good fortune to the empire. At home, Aztec families taught their children how to keep a house clean, care for smaller children, farm, and make tools and food. Women cooked and cleaned, made clothing, and ground corn into flour for making tortillas. Men typically worked in the fields or fought for the empire. All Aztec children went to school. And depending on gender and social class, they would learn about the military, the government, religion, running a household, or creating artwork while in class. Aztec meals centered on corn, which was made into many different foods, including tortillas, tamales, and soup. The Aztec also ate beans, fish, turkey, and squash, and they spiced their food with chili peppers. Much of the food eaten in Mexico and Central America today is similar to the food the Aztecs ate. When the Aztec people weren't working, eating, or worshipping, they were often at the market. Every Aztec city had a marketplace, where goods were exchanged and people caught up on the lives of their friends and neighbors. A walk through an Aztec market would have offered a glimpse into what it was like to be part of the most powerful kingdom in the early Mesoamerican period.


33

The Fall of the Aztec Empire Although the Aztecs were very powerful, it only took a few years for their empire to fall apart. In the late 1400s, European explorers arrived in the Americas. Europeans wanted to gain control of the land for themselves. They also hoped to capture gold and other riches, and to convert the people to Christianity. In 1519, Spanish soldiers led by Hernán Cortés arrived in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán. There, they were received by the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II. Over the next couple of years, battles between the Aztecs and the Spanish, and changes in Aztec leadership, led to the defeat of the empire.

In 1519, Moctezuma II invited Hernán Cortés to Tenochtitlán. Moctezuma believed Cortés was Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent god seen in Mesoamerican cultures as far back as the Olmec. Legend suggested that Quetzalcoatl would return in 1519, so Moctezuma II was being careful not to anger someone he thought might be the god. Cortés took advantage of Moctezuma II and demanded gifts of gold and other goods.

Although the Aztecs gave Cortés and his men many gifts, Cortés demanded more. When Moctezuma II refused, Cortés took him prisoner. The Aztec people were furious and attacked the Spanish. Aztec soldiers drove the Spanish out of Tenochtitlán, but during the fighting, Moctezuma II was killed.

Although Cortés and his men were forced out of the Aztec capital city, they did not leave Aztec lands for long. Cortés met with leaders of other cities within the Aztec Empire and won their support. Many of these leaders were upset with the Aztec Empire's demands for tribute, so they sided with the Spanish. After eight months of fighting, Cortés and his allies captured Tenochtitlán. They used ships to surround the city and shot it with cannons. After the city fell, the Aztec Empire was destroyed, and the Spanish took control of the area.


34

10.3.5 Quiz: Mesoamerican Civilizations

1. What did early Mesoamerican cultures have in common?

A. They had no written language.

B. They were ruled by women.

C. They outlawed slavery.

D. They worshipped many gods.

2. One of the greatest achievements of the Maya civilization was:

A. using canals to direct water to crops.

B. dividing up wealth and power equally.

C. uniting many city-states under one government.

D. letting women do the same jobs as men.


35

3. Which phrase best completes the table?

A. Granted equal rights to women

B. Started a monotheistic religion

C. Developed accurate calendars

D. Defeated European explorers

4. The Aztec Empire increased its power by:

A. refusing to trade with other civilizations.

B. working closely with European explorers.

C. forming an alliance with the Olmec civilization.

D. sending its military to conquer neighboring cities.

5. What was one reason the Aztec civilization fell to Europeans?

A. European leaders promised freedom to Aztec slaves.

B. The Aztec ruler believed the leader of the Spanish forces was a god.

C. European religions had become popular with the Aztecs.

D. The Aztecs did not have as many soldiers as the Europeans.

ancient world history (grade 6) · as the bantu migrated south, they also brought their languages...

Documents