The document summarizes the key topics covered in Unit 8 of a course on world civilizations, which focused on the major pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas, including the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas. It provides an overview of these civilizations, their histories, and their eventual declines following the arrival of Europeans. The document concludes by congratulating students on completing the course and encouraging them to apply what they learned by writing a final paper comparing civilizations from antiquity to the 15th century.

1. In the eighth unit, you learned about the major civilizations of
the Americas, including the Mayan, Aztec, and Inca, and how
European expansion and colonization led to their downfall. You
compared civilizations in the Americas with other ancient
civilizations in Africa and the Middle East. You are now
equipped to apply your knowledge by comparing and
contrasting civilizations around the world from antiquity
through the fifteenth century CE in your final paper. Consider
using the Unit 8 Guide to check that you completed all the
assigned activities and remember to take a look at your
instructor's feedback on your Unit 7 & 8 assignments and Unit 8
discussion. Congratulations on completing this course on world
civilizations!
In Unit 8, we will explore the development of civilization in the
Americas prior to and including European exploration,
conquest, and colonization. Early civilization in the Americas
developed in two distinct areas: Mesoamerica and the Andean
region. The Aztec and Mayan Empires laid claim to the
Mesoamerica region, which was located in current day Mexico
and Central America. The Andean region, located in South
America, was home to the Inca Empire. Like the early
civilizations we discussed in prior units, these civilizations
developed their own social and political structure.
Mesoamerica is located in the region stretching from the middle
of Mexico south through central America. The first people
settled in the Americas between 40,000 and 12,000 years ago,
crossing over a land bridge that once connected Siberia to
Alaska. The first recognized civilization of Mesoamerica were
the Olmec, who flourished in Mexico between 1500 and 400
BCE. The Classical Period of Mayan civilization (250 - 900 CE)
witnessed the emergence of monumental stone architecture,
hieroglyphic writing, and a complex calendar. Religion loomed
large in Mayan social and political identity, and divinely
appointed rulers demanded human sacrifices to appease the

2. gods. Around 900 CE, a people known as the Toltecs settled in
the northern region of Mexico, and their heirs, the Aztecs would
develop a powerful and extensive empire that encompassed
almost the entire Mesoamerican region, until the arrival of the
Spanish in the sixteenth century.
The Inca Empire, which began in the twelfth century CE, is the
most well-known early civilization of Andean South America.
Its civilization spanned a large territory stretching along the
western coast of South America and centered in Peru.
Agricultural production fueled the Inca economy, while their
centralized state was maintained through elaborate road systems
and a unified religion. Devastated by civil war and disease, the
Inca Empire was conquered by the forces of Francisco Pizarro
in 1533.
By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
1. Compare the events that led to the establishment, expansion,
and fall of the early American civilizations.
2. Discuss the political, social, and religious identities of the
Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas.
The image to the left is linked to an interactive map where you
can see the approximate geographical location and learn more
information about the civilizations discussed in this unit. If you
are accessing this course from the Blackboard mobile
application, you will need to visit the link or open the
Interactive Map pdf listed below.
•
Unit 8 Interactive Map
•
Unit 8 Interactive Map Text Transcript
Topic 1
Unit Topic 1 - Mayan Civilization
Mayan civilization began around 400 BCE and entered a golden
age between 250 and 900 CE. Competing city-states constructed
impressive monumental buildings, including pyramid temples
and composed elaborate hieroglyphic inscriptions.

3. Overview of the history of the Maya Civilization, including
their writing and architecture.
Mark, J. J. (2012, July 6).
Maya Civilization
. Ancient History Encyclopedia.
Overview of Mayan civilization:
Watch Video
25 Unbelievable Facts About The Mayans That Might Surprise
You
User:
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Added:
4/23/15
YouTube URL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2sUCcaPkAE
Topic 2
Unit Topic 2 - Aztec Civilization
Originating among nomadic tribes in northern Mexico, around
the thirteenth century CE, the Aztecs began to develop a
Mesoamerican empire, centered at the great city of Teotihuacan.
A rigidly structured society and powerful military held together
the diverse peoples of the Aztec Empire for nearly two
centuries. The Spanish explorer Hernando Cortes and a small
military force destroyed Teotihuacan in 1521.
Wallech, S., Daryaee, T., Hendricks, C., Negus, A. L., Wan, P.
P., & Bakken, G. M. (2013). World history volume I: A concise
thematic analysis (2nd ed.). Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Chapter 17: The Americas- A Time of Trouble
, pp. 355-363

4. Overview of the history of the Aztec Civilization.
Cartwright,M. (2014, February 26).
Aztec Civilization
. Ancient History Encyclopedia.
Description of the end of Aztec civilization.
Watch Video
Ask History: What Happened to the Aztecs? | History
User:
HISTORY -
Added:
1/17/14
YouTube URL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3kWJfkqT0g
Topic 3
Unit Topic 3 - Inca Civilization
Despite the harsh environment of the Andean region, the Inca
civilization flourished between 1400 and 1533 CE, creating an
empire that stretched from Peru to Chile. A highly organized
administration and road system facilitated Inca political control,
but rebellions and diseased weakened the empire, leading to its
destruction by European forces in 1533.
Wallech, S., Daryaee, T., Hendricks, C., Negus, A. L., Wan, P.
P., & Bakken, G. M. (2013). World history volume I: A concise
thematic analysis (2nd ed.). Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Chapter 17: The Incas
, pp. 363-366
Overview of the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
Cartwright, M. (2014, September 15).
Inca Civilization
. Ancient History Encyclopedia.
Overview of Incan Civilization.
Watch Video
Inca Civilization

5. User:
n/a -
Added:
4/14/12
Time: 3:57 min
YouTube URL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F7G0VeqAeY
Watch Video
documentary on the pre-inca civilizations
User:
n/a -
Added:
4/25/08
Time: 2:52 min
YouTube URL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1Mo4d9Rgdw
In the eighth unit, you learned about the major civilizations of
the Americas, including the Mayan, Aztec, and Inca, and how
European expansion and colonization led to their downfall. You
compared civilizations in the Americas with other ancient
civilizations in Africa and the Middle East. You are now
equipped to apply your knowledge by comparing and
contrasting civilizations around the world from antiquity
through the fifteenth century CE in your final paper. Consider
using the Unit 8 Guide to check that you completed all the
assigned activities and remember to take a look at your
instructor's feedback on your Unit 7 & 8 assignments and Unit 8
discussion. Congratulations on completing this course on

6. Hand shake message
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7...'
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Attachments area
Preview YouTube video 25 Unbelievable Facts About The
Mayans That Might Surprise You
25 Unbelievable Facts About The Mayans That Might Surprise
You
Preview YouTube video Ask History: What Happened to the
Aztecs? | History
Ask History: What Happened to the Aztecs? | History
Preview YouTube video Inca Civilization
Inca Civilization
Preview YouTube video documentary on the pre-inca
civilizations
documentary on the pre-inca civilizations