Ancient Latin America:

The Olmec

Big heads

40 tons

moved them 60 miles - no wheels or pack animals.

The Maya

The Mayan life centered on religion. Cities were built around pyramids. Many gathered to celebrate the religious ceremonies and the religious ball game, pok-a-pok A small rubber ball was bounced on a large court in an attempt to get it through a small hole. The Mayans developed an excellent calendar that defined when they would harvest and plant. They also had an extensive trading system. No wheeled vehicles or oxen, just carry it on your back.

The Aztec

Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the Aztec Empire. They lived on Lake Texcoco (an island on the lake) and farmed on chinampas - mud on rafts secured with stakes. The Aztecs grew and conquered much of Mexico.

The social hierarchy started with the emperor. He was then followed by a chief deputy who communicated with the gods. There were then four noble princes and three classes of warriors. Aztecs mostly consisted of nobles, commoners, serfs, and slaves. Nobles owned the land, Serfs farmed the land, and commoners made up the priests, merchants, artisans, and farmers. The lowest class were the people that owed debts or had been captured.

When the Spanish conquistador - Cortes - arrived in Mexico he was mistaken for Quetzaquatl (Sun God) and eventually conquered the Aztecs.

Inca Civilization

The Incas lived in the Andes mountains. The Incas developed a large system of tribute collection, courts, military posts, and trade inspections. The Incas also developed public works. The Spanish conquistador Pizarro captured and killed the ruler Atahualpa. This began the decline of the Inca Empire under Spanish rule.