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- artificial islands.
• 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, Great Pyramid of Cholula, Temples of the Sun and Moon.
Mayans-
• Tikal was capital.
• Their classic period was from mid-3rd century to very early 10th century.
• Religion- polytheistic and human sacrifices were common.
• Their collapse is still not officially known but resent research would suggest that it was due to a 200 year drought.
• Known for calendar.
• Popol Vuh- book of creation.
• Key Buildings- Great Ball Court, Temple of the Jaguars- people from Great Ball Court were sacrificed, Temple of the Magician, El Castillo.
Incas-
• Cuzco was capital.
• No real writing system.
• Quipo(u) was used for both math and reading.
• Polytheistic religion, human sacrifice was uncommon.
• Created a road system consisting of around 18,000 to 25,000 miles.
• Conquered by Pizarro and Spanish in the mid to late 16th century.
• Massive civil war between brothers was occurring at this time.
• Small pox was being spread.
• Pizarro had less than 200 men.
• Key Buildings- Temple Hill.
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