1. Latin America MexicoMexico West IndiesWest Indies Central AmericaCentral America South AmericaSouth America

2. Why are they called Latin America? Because the land was settled by Spain and Portugal –Two of the “Latin” nations in Europe –Latin America is a region of contrasts, where old, new, primitive, and modern exist side by side Explorers report that some are almost totally unaware of the world that exists outside their jungle homes

3. Inhabitants of Latin America Hunters from Siberia who crossed the Bering Strait People from south sea islands came over on canoes Possibly people from Africa The Central and South American tribes were more numerous and more civilized than the North American tribes

4. Latin America Map

5. The Indians established three great empires Mayas Aztecs Incas

6. Mayan Empire

8. Mayas Sometimes referred to as Mesoamerica –Divided into three time periods Formative (1200 BC to 100 AD) Classic (100 AD to 900)***** Post-Classic (900 to the time of the Spanish Conquest 1518) Maya culture survived until after the Spanish Conquest 4 million still speak its languages today

9. About the Mayas Shortly after the birth of Christ the gifted Mayas were living in the region that now comprises British Honduras Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico Guatemala Civilization may have been advanced as that of Ancient Egypt

10. Maya Society Three cities were dominant –Tikal –Copan –Palenque Not much is known of the Maya culture because of Catholic Missionaries

11. Maya Society Strong central government based on hereditary aristocracy The rulers were considered divine or descended from gods They had to perform certain rituals for the crops to grow and other good things to happen They believed in 9 layers of the underworld, the earth, and 3 levels of heaven

12. Maya Society 2 Calendars –260 and 365 day –Copied from the Olmecs Mayans were not a peaceful people –They waged war often for: Usual objectives Human Sacrifice

13. Maya Society Tikal- The greatest classic Maya center Built a great ditch and wall 3 to 5 miles from the cities center Population of about 100,000

14. Collapse of the Maya’s Invaders Economic Problems Food Distribution and trade New Leaders- Could not adapt to new ways Peasant Revolts (Final straw) –People abandon the cities: Merged with the Toltec's (Yucatan)