The document summarizes several ancient civilizations of Central and South America including the Olmec, Maya, Inca, and Aztec. The Olmec were among the earliest peoples in Mexico, building pyramids and temples and trading jade and obsidian. The Maya inhabited parts of Central America and had advanced calendars, mathematics, and hieroglyphic writing. The Inca Empire spanned western South America with impressive architecture and road systems. The Aztec rose to power in central Mexico, building the large city of Tenochtitlan and practicing human sacrifice of war captives to their gods. The Spanish conquistadors led by Cortes and Pizarro conquered these civilizations within a century, introducing Christianity, slavery

1. Ancient CivilizationsCentral and South America

2. Olmecearliest known people in MexicoSwampy plain beside Gulf of MexicoLarge group of farmersCorn – main cropNo animals for meatBuilt temples, pyramids, huge statuesTraded jade and obsidianAncient ballgame – losers sacrificed to godsWore helmets and used hard rubber ballHighly advanced – carved stone heads40 tons and carried from 50 miles away

3. MayaGuatemala, Honduras, and Yucatan PeninsulaSome deep in rainforestTerraced hillsides to farm and raised fields in swampy areasCanals ran through fieldsCorn – most important cropPyramid in center of city – worshipped gods thereVillages densely populatedStudy the stars – pyramids and buildings365 day calendarComplete writing system – hieroglyphicsCounting system – 0, 1, 5 (symbol/pattern wrote any number)Mayans vs. Mayans – prisoners sacrificed/wanted riches and powerOffered human blood to gods to make them happyShow dedication – pull thorns through hole in tonguePok-ta-tok - ancient ballgame – used leather padded hips/elbows to hit 5 lb. ball through mounted hoop (30ft)Civilization fell apart – war, famine, disease?Did not die out - ancestors still around

4. IncaAndes Mountains along SA coastMachu Picchu – most preserved cityPeru, Ecuador, Chile and BoliviaPeople of the Sun – sun god like a parentBuildings made to survive earthquakesTerraced farmingCanals and aqueducts – carry water to dry areas Spoke different languages – mountains separatedStarted schools to bring people together and to teach one languageNo writing – used quipu (KEE POOS)– knots on stringWore ponchos/brightly colored clothingMade 14,000 miles of roadsRunners – messengers – relay style, 250miles a day, and unified/control empire

5. AztecGroup of warriors invaded Central MexicoLegend – eagle with snake on cactus – searched for 200 yearsTenochtitlan – capital (modern day Mexico City) – covered 2,500 acres 200,000 population – biggest city in ancient AmericasIsland in lake – swampy areaCitadel – palace in centerChinampas – raised fields – most farmersCorn, beans, and peppers / flowersCalendars and mathHieroglyphics – picture writingUpper class – drink chocolate, eat meat – especially warriorsPoor – special occasion – eat dog meatMilitary is big – power, glory, and wealthDoctors -1,000 medicines from plants – lower fever, stomachaches, woundsWomen (weave) inferior to men (school)Harsh and strict laws and punishmentConquered others Taxes, slaves, sacrifices, learn skills, food, cotton, goldPeople feared and hated

6. Aztec Cont.Jaguar Knights – soldier of night skyEagle Knights – soldier of sunMany godsHarsh laws and punishmentHuman sacrificed – gods wanted heartsUsed largest pyramidDoctors – 1,000 medicines from plantsLower fever, cure stomachaches, heal wounds

7. Spanish ConquestCortes – Spanish soldier 15191521 conquered Aztecs and othersCalled New SpainPizarro – conquered Inca for Spain 1530s Conquistadores - conquerorsNatives became slaves – mined gold/silver and farmedRoman Catholic priest converted - some forcedDogs of WarMuskets and horsesNatives thought they were gods Disease – natives had no resistance and caused epidemic (widespread disease)SmallpoxWhole cultures disappearedLess than 100 years – controlled almost all of CA/SA