Mesoamerican Civilizations

Maya Aztec Inca

Agriculture in Mesoamerica

• Maize (Corn) : By 3400B.C. the most important crop in Mesoamerica

Agriculture in Mesoamerica

• Before Agriculture– Hunter-Gatherers– Move in search of big game– Groups remain small– Time consumed with hunting for food

• After Agriculture– Reliable and steady food source– Families settled forming communities– Developed new skills– Complex societies rose

Mayan Civilization Traits

• Religion and theocracy

• City-states

• Agriculture

• Calendar

Mayan Strength and Power

• United culture

• Loyal to the King

• Wealthy and prosperous

• Surplus of food fed larger population

Mayan Decline

• Physical and human resources funneled into religious activities

• Frequent warfare

• Population growth created a need for new land

Aztec Civilization Traits

• Religion and theocracy

• Powerful military

• Empire of tribute states

• Calendar

Aztec Strength and Power

• United culture

• Loyal to the Emperor

• Added land, power and prisoners for religious sacrifice

Aztec Decline

• Physical and human resources funneled into religious activities

• Need for prisoners to sacrifice makes warfare less deadly and aggressive

• Tribute states are rebellious

Incan Civilizations Traits

• Religion and theocracy

• Road system

• Welfare state and huge bureaucracy

Incan Strength and Power

• United culture

• Loyal to the Emperor

• Connected entire empire and aided control

• Cared for entire population in good and bad times

Incan Decline

• Physical and human resources funneled into religious activities

• Enemies could use roads to move troops

• People struggle to care for themselves without the welfare state