Americas civilizations
What are 3 theories about what caused the end of the Maya?
It's a mystery. famine, disease, warfare
What did the Aztecs create to give themselves more farmland?
built chinampas, wove reeds together and piled stones and mud
Where is Mesoamerica?
"Middle America", it lies in between present-day United States and South America
What were the religious beliefs of the Inca
polytheistic. Primary god was Inti, sun god. they held human sacrifices
What were some achievements of the Inca?
they performed brain surgery, used herbal medicine, and built solid stone structures
How did the Inca communicate throughout the empire?
Built roads. runners called Chasquis carrired messages
Describe the city of Tenochtitlan
It was located on an island in Lake Texcoco. there was a plaza that included the great temple
What were some Mayan achievements?
They were excellent astronomers, developed a writing system using glyphs, and created a mathematical system
What kind of government did the Inca have?
empire. Sapa Inca had absolute power
Describe the farming method of slash-and-burn agriculture?
Farmers cleared land by cutting down trees, burning them, and using the ash to fertilize the soil
Describe the Maya calendar
There were 2. one had 365 days. the other one had 260 days and was used to determine times for planting, harvesting, and religious ceremonies
Describe the downfall of the Aztecs
Hernan Cortes took the king, Montezuma, prisoner and defeated the Aztecs. they were further weakened by disease
What is the legend about how the Aztecs knew where to build their city?
where they saw an eagle perched on a cactus
Describe Maya religious beliefs
Worshipped more than 160 gods, they offered sacrifices
Describe the downfall of the Inca
Francisco Pizzaro captured the emperor and killed him. disease killed many people. then the spanish took over
Why was farming difficult for the Inca and how did they adapt to the land?
land was steep. terraces
Describe Aztec religious beliefs
Worshipped over 1,000 gods. ceremonies included a lot of human sacrifice to keep their gods strong
What mountain range did the Inca settle in?
Andes Mountains