PreAmerican Cultures

1. MAYA CIVILIZATION
• Reached its peak between 250-900 A.D.
• Estimated population at the peak was about 2
million people
• Planted maize, beans, squash and other
vegetables. Maya were active traders and
exchanged goods across a network of roads.
• Ruled by a theocracy (government led by
religious leaders)
• Developed a system of writing called
hieroglyphics, used advanced mathematics and
astronomy and developed a 365-day calendar
• By 1200, the Maya civilization had declined and
cities were deserted. Descendants of the Maya
still live in parts of Mexico and Central America
today.

2. AZTEC CIVILIZATION
• Developed centuries after the Maya in
Central Mexico
• Built the capital city of Tenochtitlan
• Created a military empire and conquered
surrounding communities
• Believed in many gods and performed
human sacrifices to ensure abundant
harvests
• The empire was brought down in 1492 by
Spanish Conquistadors (conquering
explorers)

3. INCA CIVILIZATION
• Developed in the western highlands of
South America around 800 years ago
• Empire stretched for more than 3000 miles
• Population rose to 9 million at its height
• Also a theocracy – people worshiped the
Sun god
• Incan advances included
10,000 miles of paved roads
rope bridges crossing
canyons and rivers
Terrace platforms to
plant crops