Conquistadors and Ancient Civilizations

Squash Cultivation

Began in 8000 B.C. in Mexico to support settlements.

Olmecs

Earliest Mesoamerican civilization, influencing later cultures.

Mayan Peak

500-600 A.D., excelling in various fields.

Teotihuacan Alliance

Mayans allied with Teotihuacan for regional dominance.

Toltec Conquest

Central Mexican tribe defeating Teotihuacan, leading to fall of civilizations.

Chichimeca Arrival

Nomadic group founding Tenochtitlan, evolving into Aztecs.

Aztec Influence

Dominant force in central Mexico, with advanced infrastructure.

Cortes' Purpose

Spanish Conquistador aiming to conquer Aztec people.

Tenochtitlan Markets

50,000 daily visitors, unique currency, and art.

Cortes' Ships

Legend of burning ships to signify commitment to conquest.

Cortes' Recruitment

Alliance with Aztec enemies for further conquest.

Montezuma's Belief

Mistakenly identifies Cortes as Quetzalcoatl, leading to downfall.

Tenochtitlan Conquest

Montezuma's death, Cortes' victory, and city's destruction.

Inca Empire Size

Largest pre-Columbian empire in the Americas.

Inca Road Networks

Extensive routes from Colombia to Chile.

Cusco Capital

Inca capital shaped like a puma, symbolizing sacredness.

Pizarro's Raid

Establishes first Spanish city in Peru after coastal raids.

Atahualpa's Ransom

Demanded gold for release, leading to betrayal and execution.

Pizarro's Conquest

Capture of Atahualpa, fall of Cusco, and establishment of Lima.

Inca Empire Demise

Systematic conquest by Spanish until its collapse in 1572.

Aztec/Inca Cultures

Comparison with European culture during the Age of Discovery.