1. Mayans, Aztecs, Incas

2. I. Mayans
Settled in Peten Guatemala about 500 a.d. in a dense rain forrest
Rulers said they were descendant of the sun – god kings
Religion was the core of Mayan Life
Had a city-state government – each city state had it’s own leader
Sacrificed captives to their gods
Mayan civilization came to a mysterious end

3. II. Aztecs Arrived in Valley of Mexico about 1250 A.D.
Worshipped the sun god Quetzalcoatl
Built the city of Tenochtitlan which means “place of the prickly pear cactus”
Collected tribute from conquered people
Saw death as honorable
Sacrificed captives to their gods

4. III. Aztec Society King or Emperor Nobles
Commoners (largest group) – could join noble class by performing one act of bravery in war
Unskilled laborers
Enslaved People

5. IV. Incas
Pachacuti developed the largest Ancient American Empire in A.D.1436 in modern day Peru
Designed road system to connect the empire
Believed in the sun god Inti
Built Machu Piccu as a retreat for Incan kings
Developed quipu - MATH

6. V. Incan Social Classes Coyas – rulers and wives
Head Priest and army commanders
Regional army leaders
Temple priest, army commanders, skilled workers
Farmers, herders and ordinary soldiers