The Empires in America The Empires in America before Columbus arrives.before Columbus arrives.

Aztecs & IncasAztecs & Incas

               

The Aztec EmpireThe Aztec Empire Became the greatest empire of Became the greatest empire of

MesoamericaMesoamerica Located around the Valley of Mexico Located around the Valley of Mexico

(Present Day Mexico City)(Present Day Mexico City)

Early Aztec EmpireEarly Aztec Empire First major city was First major city was TeotihuacanTeotihuacan.. 20 pyramids lined the road.20 pyramids lined the road. At its peak, had 150,000 to 200,000 At its peak, had 150,000 to 200,000

people. people. Most valuable trade item was Most valuable trade item was

obsidianobsidian; volcanic glass used to ; volcanic glass used to make razor-sharp weapons and art.make razor-sharp weapons and art.

ToltecsToltecs eventually take over. eventually take over. Were extremely war-like and Were extremely war-like and

practiced human sacrifice.practiced human sacrifice.

Teotihuacan, Obsidian, & Sacrificial AlterTeotihuacan, Obsidian, & Sacrificial Alter1.1.

Aztecs Later OnAztecs Later On 1200 AD, originally called the Mexica 1200 AD, originally called the Mexica

took over the Mexico Valley. took over the Mexico Valley. Poor nomads from the north.Poor nomads from the north. Founded city Tenochititlan.Founded city Tenochititlan. Form triple alliance with Texcoco and Form triple alliance with Texcoco and

Tlacopan.Tlacopan. 5-15 million people.5-15 million people. Religion very important.Religion very important. Worshipped the Sun God.Worshipped the Sun God. Human sacrifice every day.Human sacrifice every day.

Inca EmpireInca Empire

Largest Empire in the Americas.Largest Empire in the Americas.Located mainly in the Andes.Located mainly in the Andes.Capital was Capital was CuzcoCuzco in Southern in Southern

Peru.Peru.

Early IncasEarly Incas Settled in the fertile lands of the Settled in the fertile lands of the

Valley of CuzcoValley of Cuzco.. Worshiped the Sun God.Worshiped the Sun God. Believed their emperor was Believed their emperor was

descendent from the Sun God.descendent from the Sun God.

Incas Later OnIncas Later On 1438, Emperor 1438, Emperor PachacutiPachacuti concurred concurred

all of Peru and spread out the all of Peru and spread out the kingdom.kingdom.

Around 16 million people.Around 16 million people. Used a type of Socialist government.Used a type of Socialist government. 14,000 miles of road built.14,000 miles of road built. No writing system.No writing system. Machu PicchuMachu Picchu Kingdom split up and leads to civil Kingdom split up and leads to civil

war.war.

Emperor Pachacuti, Inca Trail, Emperor Pachacuti, Inca Trail, Machu PicchuMachu Picchu