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Ancient South American Civilizations
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Machu Picchu
The largest and best preserved of the Inca cities is Machu Picchu. It was discovered in 1911 in Andes Mountains in a very remote location. It is thought that its remote location kept it hidden from the Spanish who came in search of gold.
Inca Culture and Accomplishments
Incan Empire
The Inca built thousands of miles of roads to link all parts of their empire to their capital city of Cuzco in present day Peru. Messengers could travel these roads at up to 140 miles per day. That was the fastest communication system of anywhere in the world at that time.
At the same time the Aztecs ruled Central Mexico, the Incan Empire rose in South America.
Like the Aztecs, the Inca created their empire through conquering other tribes around them.
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A New Home
They found what they were looking for when they reached the Valley of Mexico on the island of Texcoco. They built their capital city, Tenochtitlan, which means "near the cactus".
Tenochtitlan grew into a great city. Bridges linked the city to the land around the lake. 300,000 people lived there, which made it one of the largest cities in the world.
The Aztecs
About 1200 years ago this group of people migrated south from Mexico. According to legend, they were following instructions form one of their gods who told them to travel until they came to an eagle with a snake in its beak sitting on a cactus.
Mayan Culture
surplus: more food than
they needed to feed their own families
Mayan Achievements
The Mayan were farmers who cut down thick forest to create open fields, where they grew corn and other crops.
They were such good farmers they were able to grow a surplus of crops. This allowed some to specialize, or do one type of job. People began jewelry making, basket weaving, and stone carving.
They developed a very accurate calender
They were among the first people to use the number zero.
Built pyramids for religious ceremonies and burials
civilization : culture with an organized system of government, religion and learning
The Maya
The Mayan civilization reached its peak in the year 400. They settled in present day Mexico about 3,000 years ago.
Ancient South American Civilizations
Aztecs and Human Sacrifice
While the Aztecs worshiped many gods, the chief among them was the god of war. They worshiped him by offering human blood. Slaves and prisoners were sacrificed to the god.
Aztec Culture
empire: a group of lands and peoples controlled by one leader.
Farming was a major way of life. They built floating gardens.
tribute: payment demanded by rulers.
They sent soldiers out to conquer and make slaves of other tribes. Soon they created an empire. They forced the people they conquered to pay a tribute each year. This could be weapons, gold, silver, food, clothing or even people.