MAI: Government & RulersRed – copy word for wordYellow – put in own wordsGreen – follow along & discuss (notes not necessary)

Geography Review Describe the geography of the Mayans,

Aztecs, & Incas Mayans – Yucatan Peninsula: mountain

regions, lowland areas, rainforests Aztecs – Valley of Mexico: swampy lake

between high mountains, little wood or stone for building

Incas – Andes Mountains & Cuzco Valley: mountains, rainforests, & deserts

How did geography & climate influence the Mayans, Aztecs, & Incas?

Mayans: Background Hieroglyphic writing

system Remembered for

codices, number system, & advances in astronomy

Mayans: Government No central ruler Independent city-

states Fought each other to

expand rule & gain riches

Pacal II – ruled city-state of Palenque for almost 70 years & started massive building program

Aztecs: Background Started as

nomads who settled in Valley of Mexico

Worked as mercenaries for other city-states

Aztecs: Government Built capital at Tenochtitlan Expanded lands through alliances & war Demanded tribute from defeated people Went to war to get prisoners for slaves &

sacrifices

Incas: Background Inca peoples settled in Cuzco Valley Pachacuti led Incas & conquered neighbors to

expand empire

Incas: Government Empire connected by road

network & chasquis Rulers required people to

work for the government for the part of every year

Didn’t have written language or money