1. Post-Classical Mesoamerica
900 A.D. – 1,520 A.D.

2. Main Civilizations Mayans (1,500 B.C. – 1,546 A.D.)
Toltec (900 A.D. – 1,200 A.D.)
Aztecs (1,200 A.D. – 1,521 A.D.)
Incas (1,200 A.D. – 1,535 A.D.)

3. The Mayans Complex civilization in Guatemala Chief Ruler
Considered half man, half god
Ruled 1 city

4. The Mayans Professions Peasant Farmers – Majority of Mayans
Craftsmen – Made luxuries for nobles
Nobles – Performed sacred ceremonies
Astronomers – Measured movement of solar system

5. The Mayans Often participated in wars Practiced human sacrifice
Achievements
Builders – Huge cities w/ large palaces, temples, & pyramids
Writing – Hieroglyphics
Math & Science – Numbering system, 365 day calendar
Artistry – Decorated buildings with murals

6. The Mayans Decline Crisis in 9th Century – Unknown
Migrated to Yucatan & rebuilt
War from 13th – 16th Century ended civilization

7. The Toltec Religion Polytheistic Worshipped gods of nature
Used mosaics to depict Cosmic gods
Their culture influenced later civilizations

8. The Toltec Economy based on tribute system Food Metals Clothing
Ornaments
Ceramics
Traded turquoise

9. The Toltec Led by a king Eventually developed feudalism
Grew empire through war
Warriors were important members of society
Greatly influenced later civilizations (Aztecs)

10. The Aztecs Religion Worshipped cosmic gods Mosaics big part of art
Art used to express religious ideas
Trade
Large trade network
Textiles
Metals
Ceramics

11. The Aztecs Agriculture Used terracing & irrigation Society Nobles
Commoners
Rank determined by birth
Aztec Emperor was highest ranking official
Feudalism

12. The Aztecs War Variety of reasons
Male’s identity defined by success in war
Provided means to climb social ladder

13. The Incas Religion similar to Egyptians Mosaics most popular art form
Developed writing system & calendars
Quipu – Counting system

14. The Incas 140,000 Miles of road Economy – Tribute system Government
10 houses made a clan (ayllu)
Conka Camayoc – Leader of ayllu
Single people lived with a family

15. The Incas War Used to grow empire
Skilled warriors considered very important

16. Essential Question
What were the characteristics of the Postclassical Mesoamerican civilizations? How did these civilizations influence later people?