UNIT 3CHAPTER 16 – PEOPLE AND EMPIRES IN THE AMERICAS

EARLY AMERICAN EMPIRES

CHAPTER 16: People and Empires in the Americas, 500–1500Societies in the Americas range from smalltribal bands to the vast empires of the Maya, the Aztecs, and the Inca.

SECTION 2

SECTION 3SECTION 4

Maya Kings and Cities

The Aztecs Control Central Mexico The Inca Create a Mountain Empire

CORE OBJECTIVE: Describe the impact and influence of early American civilizations upon the rest of the world.

Objective 3.5: Describe Aztec society, religion, and urban planning

THEME: Culture in the America’s is very different from the European societies we have studied. However, the Maya – Aztec – Incan societies will build wealthy agricultural empires which included achievements in mathematics, calendars, trade, and religious structures.

THE AZTECS CONTROL CENTRAL MEXICO

CHAPTER 16 SECTION 3

Through alliances and conquest, the Aztecs create a powerful empire in Mexico.

MESO-AMERICA

THE TOLTECSAbout 900, warlike Toltecs rise to power

rule for about 300 years, built enormous temples A warlike people, they rule by conquest They worship fierce war god and offer human sacrifices

Toltec ruler Topiltzin tries to change religion, end human sacrifice

Ruler Topiltzin encourages worship of Quetzalcoatl— “Feathered Serpent” — a new peaceful god

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QUETZALCOATL• Topiltzin is exiled to Yucatán Peninsula; by

early 1200s, Toltec rule ends• Quetzacoatl becomes legend of the Mexican

Valley• According to legend he traveled east on a

raft of snakes• Legend told that one day he would return

bringing a new reign of peace

THE AZTECSArrival of the Aztecs

Aztecs (or Mexica) arrive around 1200, begin working as soldiers

They were poor, nomadic people from harsh deserts By own legend, a god (Huitzilopochtli) leads them to found city of

Tenochtitlán on the island in the center of Lake Texcoco

Aztecs Grow Stronger Triple Alliance —1428 agreement of Aztec and two other city-

states increases power (w/ Texcoco & Tlacopan) By early 1500s, Aztecs have large empire and rule 5–15 million people They build a capital city called Tenochtitlan They demand tribute (taxes) from conquered peoples

Gold, Maize, Cotton, Jade

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TENOCHTITLÁN: A PLANNED CITY The city was planned in great detail on an island

Causeways (bridges) connect island city to mainland areas Canals enable people to carry goods to city and its huge main market Contained 400,000 people – the largest city in the world

Chinampas, floating islands, used to grow crops Central area has palaces, temples, government buildings

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CHINAMPAS

THE GREAT TEMPLE

The giant pyramid had 2 temples at the top

One dedicated to sun godThe other dedicated to the rain god

AZTEC RELIGIONPolytheistic

Religion includes 1,000 gods, many adopted from other peoples

Religious Practices Center of religion is public ceremonies to

win gods’ favor Many religious festivals throughout year

Human Sacrifice Most important rituals are for sun

god, Huitzilopochtli He needs human sacrifices (war

captives) to be strong

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QUETZALC

OATL?

MONTEZUMA In 1502, Montezuma II becomes emperor; he calls for more tribute These sacrifices lead to revolt in outlying areas Emperor tries to make life easier, but Aztecs worry about future

Soon after, Spanish arrive and conquer Aztecs Conquered by Hernan Cortes

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CORTEShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0xm3aiPU-w

THE AZTEC — ASSESSMENT Which one of these statements is NOT true about the ToltecsA. They built pyramids and templesB. They entered into the Triple AllianceC. There were an extremely warlike peopleD. They dominated central Mexico before the Aztec did

  Which fact about Quetzalcoatl is NOT true

A. He was a violent god that demanded sacrificeB. He was depicted as a feathered serpentC. He was a god of the Toltec and the Aztec, among

others D. His followers believed that his return would result in a

golden age

THE AZTEC — ASSESSMENT Which one of these statements is NOT true about the ToltecsA. They built pyramids and templesB. They entered into the Triple AllianceC. There were an extremely warlike peopleD. They dominated central Mexico before the Aztec did

  Which fact about Quetzalcoatl is NOT true

A. He was a violent god that demanded sacrificeB. He was depicted as a feathered serpentC. He was a god of the Toltec and the Aztec, among

others D. His followers believed that his return would result in a

golden age