Mesoamerica Unit 1 Section 7 TYWL: How were ancient civilizations and empires able to development, grow and create a lasting impact? How has conflict and innovation influenced political, religious, economic and social changes in medieval civilizations?

Question of the Day 3 One way in which the Five Relationships, the Ten Commandments, and the Eightfold Path are similar is that they (1) promote polytheism (2) establish gender equality (3) provide codes of behavior (4) describe secularism

Olmec ca bce

Olmecs Est. first major Mesoamerican civilization. Est. first major Mesoamerican civilization. Mother Culture Mother Culture Mathematicians Mathematicians First writing in North America First writing in North America Olmec heads glorified the rulers Made of basalt, they range from 5 to 11 feet high Quarried stone needed to be transported 65 miles from Tuxtla Mts. via log rollers, wooden sleds and rafts

Shamanism Shamanism - is the ability to assume the powers of animals associated with the shaman. Shamanism - is the ability to assume the powers of animals associated with the shaman. The Mayan Civilization Developed around 1000 BC Developed around 1000 BC –10 million people spread among 40 cities. –Trade and agriculture helped support larger populations.

Mayan Farming Practices Slash and Burn Agriculture- Slash and Burn Agriculture-

Mayan Cities & Government Classic Age-(250 to 900 AD) Classic Age-(250 to 900 AD) Built: Built: –Stone pyramids –Temples Mayan Society & Religion Society Society –Kings ruled with absolute power Religious Ceremonies Religious Ceremonies –Offering of blood to the gods. (Blood Letting) – Ball Game –Losing team sacrificed. –Human Sacrifice

Mayan Achievements Astronomy Astronomy Math Math –Used Zero (0) Writing Writing Mayan Calendar The Maya had two calendars: The Maya had two calendars: –365 day farming calendar –260 day religious calendar

Decline of Mayan Civilization Factors to decline: Factors to decline: –Environmental Damage –Drought –Warfare Increased

The Aztecs Located in modern day Mexico, and Tenochtitlan was the capital city. Located in modern day Mexico, and Tenochtitlan was the capital city.

Aztec Empire Conquered people paid tribute (tax) Conquered people paid tribute (tax) The Aztec Empire gained wealth: The Aztec Empire gained wealth: –Trade –Tribute

Tenochtitlan Size Size –5 square miles Approximately 3200 acres Approximately 3200 acres Population Population –200,000 Architecture Architecture –Walled City –Ball court –“Floating Gardens” Chinampas Aztec Society King Priests & Warriors Farmers Slaves & Prisoners of War Social Classes Social Classes Though people were born into a certain class it was possible to move up the ranks within a life time.

Aztec Religion Huitzilopochtli and was known as both the sun god & war god. Huitzilopochtli and was known as both the sun god & war god. –Human sacrifice was practiced heavily in the Aztec religion. War captives were used in the sacrifices War captives were used in the sacrifices

Aztec Achievements Written Record Written Record –Glyphs- symbols that represented both objects and sounds. Kept track of tax record and business details. Kept track of tax record and business details.