Spanish and Pre-Columbian Civilizations By Cody Tu

Standards 5.2 Identify the three major pre-Columbian civilizations that existed in Central and South America (Maya, Aztec, and Inca) and their locations. Describe their political structures, religious practices, and use of slaves. 5.4 Explain why the Aztec and Inca civilizations declined in the 16th century. A. the encounters between Cortez and Montezuma B. the encounters between Pizarro and the Incas C. the goals of the Spanish conquistadors D. the effects of European diseases, particularly smallpox, throughout the Western

Aztecs public.asu.edu The Aztecs lived in Central Mexico . Their capital Tenochitlan was in the middle of a lake. The Aztecs were polytheistic which meant they believed In many gods. They believed in a god called Quetzacoatl who would arrive in the year 1519. They controlled many other tribes and used them as slaves The Aztecs leader was Montezuma Today Tenochitlan is now Mexico city. They thought Cortez was Quetzacoatl because of his pale white skin and his men and horses. Cortez killed Montezuma and destroyed Tenochitlan. public.asu.edu

Incas Lived in the Andes mountains and Peru. They were also polytheistic. Capital was Cuzco. No written languages Used knots as messages Practiced animal sacrifice and occasionally children Incas did not care for gold and other metals. Incas used metals for décor. Leader of Incas was Atahuapla Atahuapla was captured for ransom but was killed. uncp.edu

Maya Lived in Yucatan Peninsula. Not just one major capital so it was much harder to conquer. They were polytheistic They did not own much gold Had slaves who could sometimes escape. webspace.utexas.edu

Cortez Spaniard and Conquistador Cortez was mistaken for a god named Quetzacoatl. Cortez took Montezuma hostage and killed him. Spanish retreated and then defeated the Aztecs www.thepirateking.com

Pizzaro Pizzaro was an explorer and a conquistador from Spain He traveled with 180 men and 27 horses into the Andes Mtns. Incas were easily taken over because of civil war. Atahulpa, Inca emperor was captured by Pizzaro and held for gold. Incas did not value metals instead they valued woven cloth. Pizzaro tricked Incas and soon conquered their capital. mcssexplorers.yolasite.com

Final Question The conquistadors changed Central and South America, the Aztec, Inca and Maya language and culture would still be remembered. Today most people in Mexico are Christian and speak Spanish.