The civilizations of the Sumerians, the
Phoenicians, and the Maya were similar in that each a) Developed extensive writing systems b) Emphasized equality in education c) Established monotheistic religions d) Encouraged democratic governments e) Performed human sacrifice

One major difference between the Inca and the
Aztec civilizations was a) While the Inca were agrarian, the Aztecs were nomadic b) The Aztecs built religious monuments while the
Inca did not c) Incans were monotheistic while the Aztecs worshipped many gods d) The Aztecs developed a system of writing while the Inca did not e) The Inca practiced human sacrifice, while the
Aztecs did not

Diego Durán, BOOK OF
THE GODS AND RITES
In what ways had the customs of the marketplace survived, despite the imposition of
Christianity? What had changed and what had remained the same?

600 ce – 1500 ce
Teotihuacan, Maya
Toltec, and Aztecs

• Power not concentrated into the hands of a single ruler
– Scholars suggest
Teotihuacan was ruled by an alliance of elite families
Temple Complex, Teotihuacan
• Collapsed around
650 CE
– Perhaps due to resource mismanagement

Pyramid El Castillo, Tulum

• Never unified politically
Mayan Ruler Stele
• The most powerful cities controlled weaker cities by establishing a religious connection between rulers and the gods
• Between 800 and 900 CE many major urban centers were abandoned or destroyed
– Growing scholarly consensus points toward social unrest caused by environmental degradation

Tula, Toltec Capital

• Their political power was derived largely from their military power and conquest
• Two kings jointly ruled the Toltec
Toltec Warrior
• Sometime after 1000 CE the Toltec state declined and collapsed
– Likely a result of their power sharing leadership

Tenochtitlan, Aztec Capital

• Aztec rulers did not have absolute power
– Powerful aristocrats had a hand in selecting next ruler
• Rulers would take part in conquest in order to legitimize their rule and to obtain slaves for both sacrifice and labor
Huitzilopochtli
• Religion, ritual and sacrifice served to legitimize political authority

• The arrival of Europeans in the early 16 th century would directly and permanently disrupt the continuity of the
Aztec empire
Aztec Human Sacrifice

• With a partner, use the Change Analysis Chart to identify key continuities and changes in
culture and politics amongst all
Mesoamerican Civilizations
• Utilize pages 269 – 277 as well as your CH 11 notecards and questions

• What one event or trend are you able to identify as a major contributor to change over time in Mesoamerican Civilizations? Why was this event or trend so impactful?
• Write your answer on a loose piece of notebook paper. . .
– I’ll be collecting these on your way out