Pre-Columbian Civilizations
These early civilizations began around the same time as the river valley civilizations occurred. There are three major civilizations that are well known for their advancements in life. There are the Maya, Aztec, and the Inca. The Mayans were located in modern day Guatemala, Belize and El Salvador. The Aztecs were located in modern day Mexico. The Inca civilization was located in modern day Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and Peru. The Mayans and Aztecs both built pyramids like the Egyptians, even though they did not communicate with them at all.
|
LocationsThese three civilizations are located in Mesoamerica. The Mayan civilization was located in modern day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and El Salvador. The Aztec civilization was located in modern day Mexico. Its capital city was called Tenochtitlan. The Inca civilization was located in modern day Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, and Peru.
|
Complex without EuropeansThe Indigenous people living in mesoamerica had materials that helped them create complex societies without the help of the Europeans. Both Aztecs and Mayans built large temples with stone and their architecture is advanced. Aztecs also invented Chinampas which helped them farm easily. The Inca had terracing along the sides of the mountains which helped them farm easier too.
|
Human SacrificeHuman Sacrifices were practiced by both Aztecs and Mayans. Their religion was polytheistic and they believed that it was necessary to sacrifice humans. They would usually sacrifice slaves and prisoners of war to please he gods. The ritual consists of a priest who chants , takes out of the human while it is still beating, and let their blood spill from the top of the temple to the bottom.
|
Vocab:
Indigenous: Native or already living there.
Mesoamerica: Region from Mexico to Central America and South America.
Tenochtitlan: Capital city of Mexico.
Chinampas: A method of farming using floating gardens on rivers.
Terracing: Making a slope of land into steps.
Indigenous: Native or already living there.
Mesoamerica: Region from Mexico to Central America and South America.
Tenochtitlan: Capital city of Mexico.
Chinampas: A method of farming using floating gardens on rivers.
Terracing: Making a slope of land into steps.