1. Meso and South America Political, Economic, Cultural, and Social Aspects

2. Inquiry Questions How were the Inca and Aztecs “theatre states” and how did they manifest? What technological and scientific innovations did Mesoamerican culture produce ? How did Mesoamerican and Andean societies reflect social stratification? How did Mesoamericans express their interest in science? What was the impact of trade networks on Meso and Andean America?

4. Mesoamerica – quick history to Aztecs Mayan Culture – 200 CE – 1500 CE (or present?) Maya not a political entity – City States like ancient Greece – are a “Cultural Region” Kingdoms/City-states fought each other for dominance with largest dominating neighbors Developed agricultural techniques in use later: drained swamps, built elevated or terraced fields, irrigation systems, and managed forest resources

5. Mayan Culture (cont) Impressive monumental architecture from largest city states City of Teotihuacan –Population 150 – 200 K at height –Dominated by pyramidal structures –Urbanization through forced resettlement –Agricultural innovations: Chinampas (floating gardens) –Social stratification: commoners lived in Apartments of stone, elite had private homes

6. Mayan scribe

7. Maya culture ballgame

8. Teotihuacan Ruled by alliance of wealthy families (Oligarchy) Military used to protect and expand long- distance trade Collapsed around 650 CE –Mismanagement of resources? –Conflict within elite? –Invasion?

9. MOON TEMPLE -- TEOTIHUACAN

10. Teotihuacan – Avenue Of The Dead

11. Mayan Culture (cont) Most Mayan city-states abandoned by 800-900 CE.

12. The Toltec Based on civilization of Teotihuacan (survivors?) Innovative in war Capital at Tula –Dual Kingship – may have undermined the state around 1000 CE –Destroyed by invaders around 1168 CE

13. The Aztec Originally northern, clan-based Migration to area around Lake Texcoco 1325 – established major cities of Tenochtitlan and Tlateloco Political form of state: Monarchy –King increased wealth & power through conquest –Commoners lost influence –Inequities in wealth worsened

14. The Aztec -- Politics “Theater State” –Power maintained through massive public rituals –Trade focused on status items –Large number of gods – most important was sun god –Gods required sacrifice of human hearts – thousands per year

15. Aztec Warriors

16. Aztec warrior-knights

17. The Aztec Economy Grain & other food tribute met 25% of capital’s needs Merchants distinct from and subordinate to elite Elite controlled long-distance trade No wheeled vehicles, draft animals, or currency (human porters)

18. Chinampas

19. The Aztec Economy: Increased agricultural production through land reclamation: –Chinampas (floating gardens) –Irrigation

20. Tenochtitlan ruins (Mexico City)

21. Tenochtitlan – ruins (Mexico City)

22. Aztec Altar

23. Aztec -- Culture Large number of Gods– most important was Sun God Huitzilopochtli Gods required died of human hearts supplied through sacrifice Thousands sacrificed per year – most war captives Emperor had special blood rituals

24. Maize Goddess

25. Aztec blood-letting ceremony

26. Aztec ornamental skull

27. Aztec priest with blood bowl

28. Aztec sacrificial knives

29. Aztec wall of Skulls

30. Andean Civilizations

32. Geography Andes mountains – very challenging territory Formed thousands of miles of trail to link up three “zones” –Mountains –Jungle –Seaside

33. Political form of state Originally clan-based –“Allyu” – clan-based “payment” of surplus grain. –M’ita – tributary labor system

34. Social Structure Gender roles clear, but all expected to work, participate in economy

35. Predecessors -- Moche No formal political structure Cultivation of staple crops: maize, quinoa, beans, manioc, potatoes Use of Alpacas for wool Highly stratified and theocratic society –Wealthy lived on platforms above the commoners

36. Moche ceramic portrait vase

37. Moche (cont) Metallurgists (specialists) Fall of Moche culture – 30 years of drought Invasions Leaders lost authority – “blessing” of god

38. The Inca -- Economy Used military to set up Tributary relationship with surrounding peoples Mit’a labor system (1/7 of each man’s product to social support system)

39. Inca Quipus

40. The Inca -- Politics Kept local leaders in place –Sons kept captive at capital of Cuzco –Sacred idols kept at Cuzco Significant Imperial Bureaucracy Royal family as descendent from Sun God “Theater State” (like Aztecs): rituals and symbols to maintain power & social stratification

41. Incan roads in Andes

42. The Inca -- Cultural Amazing architecture – masonry without mortar Puma-shaped city Achievements in Astronomy and metallurgy

43. Incan Tunic

44. The Inca (c. 1400 CE) Capital at Cuzco Overall population of 6 million Vast Geographic territory Used military to conquer distant territories of varying environments

45. Inca – Machu Picchyu

46. Inca- Macchu Pichu

47. Macchu Pichu Detail

48. Inquiry Questions How were the Inca and Aztecs “theatre states” and how did they manifest? What technological and scientific innovations did Mesoamerican culture produce ? How did Mesoamerican and Andean societies reflect social stratification? How did Mesoamericans express their interest in science? What was the impact of trade networks on Meso and Andean America?