DO NOW: AP M.C. Question

The civilizations of the Sumerians, the Phoenicians, and the Maya were similar in that each

a) Developed extensive writing systemsb) Emphasized equality in educationc) Established monotheistic religionsd) Encouraged democratic governmentse) Performed human sacrifice

One major difference between the Inca and the Aztec civilizations was

a) While the Inca were agrarian, the Aztecs were nomadic

b) The Aztecs built religious monuments while the Inca did not

c) Incans were monotheistic while the Aztecs worshipped many gods

d) The Aztecs developed a system of writing while the Inca did not

e) The Inca practiced human sacrifice, while the Aztecs did not

DO NOW: AP M.C. Question

Primary Source Discussion: Diego Durán, BOOK OF THE GODS AND RITES

In what ways had the customs of the marketplace survived, despite the imposition of Christianity? What had changed and what had remained the same?

Mesoamerican Civilizations600 ce – 1500 ce

Teotihuacan, Maya Toltec, and Aztecs

Teotihuacan• Power not

concentrated into the hands of a single ruler– Scholars suggest

Teotihuacan was ruled by an alliance of elite families

• Collapsed around 650 CE– Perhaps due to

resource mismanagement

Temple Complex, Teotihuacan

The Maya

Pyramid El Castillo, Tulum

The Maya• Never unified politically

• The most powerful cities controlled weaker cities by establishing a religious connection between rulers and the gods

• Between 800 and 900 CE many major urban centers were abandoned or destroyed– Growing scholarly consensus

points toward social unrest caused by environmental degradationMayan Ruler Stele

The Toltecs

Tula, Toltec Capital

The Toltecs• Their political power was

derived largely from their military power and conquest

• Two kings jointly ruled the Toltec

• Sometime after 1000 CE the Toltec state declined and collapsed– Likely a result of their

power sharing leadershipToltec Warrior

The Aztecs

Tenochtitlan, Aztec Capital

The Aztecs• Aztec rulers did not have

absolute power – Powerful aristocrats had a

hand in selecting next ruler• Rulers would take part in

conquest in order to legitimize their rule and to obtain slaves for both sacrifice and labor

• Religion, ritual and sacrifice served to legitimize political authority

Huitzilopochtli

The Aztecs

• The arrival of Europeans in the early 16th century would directly and permanently disrupt the continuity of the Aztec empire

Aztec Human Sacrifice

Continuity and change over time

• With a partner, use the Change Analysis Chart to identify key continuities and changes in culture and politics amongst all Mesoamerican Civilizations

• Utilize pages 269 – 277 as well as your CH 11 notecards and questions

Checking for Understanding

• What one event or trend are you able to identify as a major contributor to change over time in Mesoamerican Civilizations? Why was this event or trend so impactful?

• Write your answer on a loose piece of notebook paper. . .– I’ll be collecting these on your way out