Comparing Mayans, Aztecs, Incas

Maya Political-

City-States Chiefs were ½ God ½ Ruler

Economic- Trade between city-states often used Cocao beans

as money Social-

God-King Cultural-

Human scarifies --Astronomy Writing system --Calendar

Aztec Political-

conquered neighboring peoples Built an empire

Economic- Traded within empire and with neighbors Often used Cocoa beans as money

Social- Emperor nobles commoners slaves

Cultural- Human sacrifices

Incas Political-

Empire/theocracy Economic-

Bartered locally Traded long-distance with use of roads

Social- Ruler nobles priests commoners

Cultural Social welfare-state cares for all people

Effects of exploration Aztecs- Spanish had better weapons Spanish used the Aztec’s enemies

against them Aztecs were wiped out by small pox Cortés made the conquered Aztecs build

Mexico City on top of the ruins of Tenochtitlán

Effects of exploration Incas- People were unable to care for

themselves with the elimination of the welfare state

Click on picture for a Horrible Histories