1.4 - Developments in America

what is the olmec civ

shared cultural elements such as distinctive pottery, the worship of a snake-feathered god, the practice of human sacrifice, the construction of pyramids, and the establishment of ball courts, which influenced later Mesoamerican cultures.

Explain the social structure of the Mississippian culture.

hierarchical social structure consisting of the chief (Great Sun) at the top, then upper class of priests and nobles, a lower class of merchants, artisans, and hunters, and finally enslaved people, often prisoners of war.

How did __ lineage affect leadership succession in Mississippian society?

matrilineal lineage determined next Great Sun on mother’s side. ex. next leader would be the son of his sister rather than his own son.

Define the role of women in the Mississippian culture.

women played a crucial role in agriculture, as they were primarily responsible for farming while men engaged in hunting.

Describe the architectural styles of Chaco and Mesa Verde.

one known for its large clay and stone homes, while other features structures built on the sides of cliffs using sandstone bricks.

what did Mayans believe in in relation to their chiefs? why was this signficant?

thought that chiefs were descendants of their gods, legitimized their power thru that

Define the concept of corvee labor in the context of early bureaucracies. which empires?

system where people are REQUIRED to do forced labor often for public projects. part of decentralized govt structure. Mayans and Incas

How did the Mayan civilization contribute to advancements in science and technology?

developed an accurate calendar using astronomy, created a concept of zero, and established a complex writing system.

What role did agriculture play in the taxation system of early Mesoamerican societies?

Agriculture was central to the taxation system, where taxes were collected in the form of crops, supporting the economy and governance.

what are chinampas and where?

floating gardens. Aztecs. creatd more ag space, more efficient farming by using surrounding water for irrigation and drainage

Explain the political structure of the Aztec society.

theocracy ruled by religious leaders, with a chief considered a descendant of the gods.

How did the Aztecs maintain political dominance over their territories?

collecting tribute from local rulers, and using warriors for protection and loyalty, often through human sacrifices.

who ruled the Aztecs and what is his significance?

Montemuza II; expansionist policies and the consolidation of power, which included the collection of tribute and the establishment of a theocratic government.

Do you know how the Aztecs adapted their environment for agriculture?

creating irrigation systems, digging ditches to redirect water, and using terraces to store water during droughts, enhancing their agricultural productivity.

Explain the reasons behind human sacrifice in the polytheistic religion and which civilization?

way to pay back the gods who gave life to the world and to atone for sins. led to resentment. used by the Aztecs infamously

how did the Spanish invaders justify conquering Aztecs?

extreme practices of tribute and human sacrifice, viewed as excessive and barbaric.

Define the factors that contributed to the decline of the Aztec civilization.

low levels of technology, such as the absence of wheels and herds leading to inefficient agriculture, excessive tribute demands, human sacrifice causing resentment, and unsustainable military expansion.

Pachuti and his significance

tribal leader who conquered tribes and credited w the developments in Inca administration like provincial govt and road systems

mi'ta system

dictated your job and class in Inca empire. it's like the Indian caste system.

What were the achievements of the Incan Empire (3)

Quipu, waru-waru, and Carpa Nan

Quipu

system of knots that recorded birth, death, and property certificates. Inca

waru-waru

raised beds that had channels that can be redirected to prevent erosion and store water in drought. Inca

Carpa Nan

massive road for govt. & military. Inca

where is Machu Pichu located?

Incan

What was the decline of the Incan Civilization?

Civil war weakened army and easy for the Spanish Invasion by Pizzaro. The mi'ta system created resentment and people under the Incans. disease introduced by the Spanis