M.I.A and Spanish
Aztec
- Conquered by Cortez which they believed to be their god Quetzalcoatl.
- Conquered in the early 16th century.
- Religion: polytheistic, human offering or sacrifice very popular
- Montezuma II was the leader of the Aztecs when this occurred.
- Very unique agriculture-Chinampas
- Would use the volcanic rock called obsidian with their weaponry.
- Their capital city was Tenochtitlan.
- Number system based on twenties
- Key buildings: Templo Mayor, Saint Cecilia Acatitlan-used as sacrificing building-sacrificed more than 60,000 people on first day-water was red from blood, Great Pyramid of Cholula-largest man made pyramid, Temples of the Sun and Moon.
Mayans
- Capital: Takal
- Their classic period was from mid 3rd century to very early 10th century
- Religion: polytheistic and human sacrifices were common
- collapsed is still not officially known but very recent research would suggest that it was due to a 200 year drought.
- Known for their calandar 12-21-2012
- Popol Vuh is their book of creation.
- Key Buildings: Great Ball Court--play ball game try to get it through hoop, Temple of the Jaguars-the captain of the winning team would get sacrificed-thirteen steps to get to heaven and skip all three steps, Temple of the Magician-dawrf given challenge to build temple in a day and did, El Castillo-means the castle in spanish
Inans
- Cuzco is their captial
- No real writing system
- Quipo(u) was used for both math and reading-system of knots in a string
- Polytheistic religion, human sacrifice was uncommon
- Created a road system consisting of around 18k to 25k miles.
- Conquered by the Pizarro and Spanish in the mid to late 16th Century.
- Massive civil war between brothers was occurring at this time.one brother kills other brother and names himself king-Pizarro kills the remaining Incas
- Small pox was being spread
- Pizarro had less than 200 men.
- Key buildings: Temple Hill-Religious building
Why the Spanish thought it was fine to attack and conquer the Aztecs and Incas?
- It would expand their empire.
- The Spanish thought of them as just animals instead of human beings.
- They thought of it as serving God, to become rich as all men want to.
- They wanted to spread Christianity. Spanish thought it was their duty to wipe out all of the non-christians.
- Wanted gold/treasure. Included silver. They could sell it at a higher price.
- Gain more power over other nations.
- The Spanish were trying to make their empire bigger than Portugal’s (rivalry)
- The Spanish were afraid that England and France would move in if Spain didn’t hold on to the territories.
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