AP World History Unit 1.4

AP World History Unit 1.4: Developments in the Americas (600-1450 CE)

This period marks significant developments in various indigenous cultures across the Americas.
Societies evolved with complex social structures, economies, and political systems.

Maya Civilization
- Location: Southern Mexico and Central America.
- Achievements:
  - Advanced writing system (hieroglyphics).
  - Mathematics (concept of zero).
  - Astronomy and calendar systems.
- Political Structure: City-states ruled by kings.
Aztec Empire
- Location: Central Mexico.
- Capital: Tenochtitlan.
- Achievements:
  - Military conquests expanded territory.
  - Tribute system from conquered peoples.
  - Complex religion with numerous deities.
- Economy: Agriculture (chinampas) and trade.

Inca Empire
- Location: Western South America (Peru).
- Achievements:
  - Extensive road systems (Inca Road).
  - Quipu (knotted strings for record-keeping).
  - Terraced farming techniques.
- Political Structure: Centralized bureaucracy led by the Sapa Inca.

Social Hierarchies: Rigid class systems with nobles, priests, and commoners.
Gender Roles: Varied by region; some societies had matrilineal aspects (e.g., Inca).
Religion: Polytheistic beliefs; rituals often included human sacrifice (especially in Aztec culture).

Agriculture: Maize, beans, squash as staple crops.
Trade Networks: Extensive trade routes connecting different regions (e.g., Mesoamerica to the Andes).
Tribute Systems: Conquered peoples paid tribute in goods and labor.

Art and Architecture: Monumental structures (pyramids, temples) and intricate pottery.
Writing and Record-Keeping: Maya hieroglyphics and Inca quipu for administration and history.

Cultural Exchange: Trade facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies.
Conflict and Conquest: Rivalries between city-states (Maya) and empires (