The Aztec and Inca Empires1300-1500

Physical Geography and Environmental Adaptation

The Aztec Empire

The Aztec Empire

The Valley of Mexico-several large shallow lakes and fertile soil

Settled on Lake Texcoco because of a legend…

An eagle perched on a cactus, holding a snake in its mouth (Tenochtitlan)

Causeways and canals for transportation and aqueducts for fresh water. Tons of dirt to build up city.

The Aztec Empire

Based on intensive agriculture-maize, beans, and squash in a warm, humid environment.

Land and food of conquered people was often demanded as tribute

Agriculture in Tenochtitlan-chinampas (20,000 acres)

FOUR corn crops per year were possible

Dikes built to close off fresh water from brackish water (5.5 miles by 23 feet)

The Aztec Empire

No wheel or suitable animals for power (no draft or pack animals)

Women spent 30-40 hours per week just to prepare the basic food-corn (no mills)

A system of roads existed (part of the tribute of conquered peoples), mainly for foot travel (rest stops and latrines every 10-15 km)

COMMUNICATION

The Inca Empire

The Inca Empire-Environment

Terrace agriculture on the steep slopes of the Andes (mostly dry)

Complex technology of irrigation to water their crops

Based on intensive agriculture-maize, quinoa, potato (developed method of freeze drying potatoes for times of food shortages)

Controlled a wide range of ecological zonesAdapted in ways that surprise scientists

Terraced Farming

Irrigation Canals

Inca Road System

Most spectacular of the public works projects

Symbolized the power of the Incan state

14,000 miles long Spanned mountains and

deserts – two main arteries (mountains and coast)

Rest stops for messengers

Typically built of stone and lined with trees

Channel of drinking water running alongside

Suspension bridges Easy movement of

troops and communication throughout a large empire

Inca Road System

Domesticated Animals

The Llama-Helped to transport goods and food through the Andes mountains (pack animal)

Provided wool and meatOffered to the gods as a sacrificeNo practical use for the wheel

The Llama