2. Aztecs, Incas, Mayans Native Americans of Latin America

4. Aztecs Lived in Central Mexico Their capital was Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) – It was originally built on two islands in the middle of Lake Texcoco.

5. Tenochtitlan

6. Way of Life Warrior Society – Highly developed military Farming was the main job. – “Floating Gardens” rafts filled with mud to grow crops. Lived in huge cities

7. Religion Main God – God of War and Sun Demanded constant war and human sacrifice

8. Government Emperor had supreme power over everyone!! Well organized

9. Education Controlled by the priests Learned history, Aztec traditions, and crafts Some were chosen for special schools to learn official religious duties

10. Contributions Roads with “rest stops” Making education mandatory Gold work and the beginnings of medicine Farming on ‘floating boats”

11. Mayans Lived in the Yucatan Peninsula The capital of the second empire was Chichen Itza

12. Way of Life Lived in small settlements in the country Large cities were religious centers – No one lived there all the time. Almost all Mayans were farmers

13. Religion Worshipped rain gods, gods of soil, sun god, corn god Believed all gods and humans descended from the sun and moon

14. Government Not a lot known about their government Historians think: – Each large city controlled the area around it.

15. Education Children learned at home from their parents

16. Contributions Accurate calendar (354 days) Advanced Math (discovered Zero) Advanced writing system Pyramid Architecture

17. Study the Stars and Created the Mayan Calendar

18. Mayan Numbers

19. Mayan Hieroglyphics sky king house child city sky king house child city

20. Kukulcan

21. Incas Lived in the Andes Mountains – Mainly in Peru Their capital was Cuzco. Famous Inca city is Machu Picchu.

23. Machu Picchu

24. Way of Life Farmers – Grew cotton, maize (corn), potatoes – Carved flat surfaces in mountains to farm Terrace farming Artisans: – Bricks – Gold and Silver Jewelry – Pottery

26. Created irrigation and roads

27. Religion Incas were polytheists (believed in many gods) – Main god: Viracocha (Sun God) Priests were also surgeons. Sometimes sacrificed animals and children

28. Government (Socialism) Had an Emperor – Believed he was a descendent of the Sun God Had a class system – Priests – Soldiers – Artisans – Farmers – Slaves Mita (Labor Tax): Required people to work for the emperor a short time each year.

29. Education Royalty Went to school at age 13 Learned religion, government, history, and moral norms Citizens – Did not go to school – Learned from their grandparents and parents

30. Contributions Architecture – The way Incas created cities, irrigation, and roads were GENIUS!