Maya, Inca, Aztec, Comparison Chart

Name:______________________________________________ Date:________________ Period:__________ Maya, Inca, Aztec Comparison Chart Directions: Make sure you “File… Make a Copy” then, as you view the Powerpoint complete the chart with the correct information. Geography/ Rise to Power Religion Social Structure Achievements Decline Key Words Mayans They lived in what is now the Northern part of Guatemala. They grew crops like maize and cocoa. The used trees to make wooden poles and vines to make there houses. Aztecs They settled in a swampy island in the middle of lake Texcoco. Their capital was Tenochtitlan. They built canals and causeways to get around. Incas Used the language Quechua for business. People worked to pay taxes. There were not markets or merchants, the government gave supplies. They were Polytheistic. They considered mountains to be sacred because they allow people to touch god. Also they made human sacrifices. They were Polytheistic. They made more human sacrifices, mainly on slaves and captives. They believed their rulers were the son of god. They made sacrifices but rarely on humans. The king was the highest position because they were believed to be related to god. But priest, nobles, etc are part of the upperclass. The lower class were farmers and servants. Slaves were the lowest. The emperor was the highest position along with the nobles, merchants. priests, etc. The farmers and others were the rest of the population. The emperor, priests and government officials were the upper class. While the farmers, artisans and servants were the lower class. There were no slaves. Mayans built observatories for the priest, they made a 365 day calendar, created a number system, and created huge temple pyramids. They made fine stone pyramids and statues. They wove colorful cloths. Also, they made a calendar. They were masters at masonry. They also made pottery and gold and silver jewelry. Historians believe it was caused by people rebelling. And competing against other cities for farmland. They fell because of the Conquistadors. Conquerors attacked and killed them. Than spain took over. Maize- corn Observatories- Buildings from which people can study the sky. Cocoa- beans to make chocolate Causeways- Raised roads across water or wet ground. Chinampas- Floating gardens made on large rafts that had been piled with soil and anchored to trees. Conquistadors- Spanish conquerors Quechua- An official incan language Mita- The labor tax system used instead of money. Machu Picchu- A royal retreat that was in the Andes where emperors and nobles could relax. Masonry- stonework. Name:______________________________________________ Date:________________ Period:__________ When you have finished answer the following questions: 1. Why did the Mayan civilization decline? Historians believe it was caused by people rebelling and competing. 2. Where did the Aztecs settle? How did they live there? In a swampy island in the middle of the lake of Texcoco. They lived by building canals and other things to get around. 3. What conquistador conquered the Aztecs? The European conquerors. 4. What disease did he bring with him? Smallpox 5. Who was the most powerful in Incan society? Why? The emperor, priests and government officials. They had control and controlled what happened with everyone else. 6. How were taxes paid in Incan Society? By mita, working to pay taxes instead of money. 7. How were people fed? The government handed out the supplies and food.