Pre-Columbian Americas — Key Concepts for Review

Mesoamerican States and Governance

  • Itzcoatl's reign: 1427−14401427-1440; formed Triple Alliance (Texcoco, Tlacopan), demanding high tribute for Tenochtitlan.

Inca Empire

  • Founded: 14381438; expanded across Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina.
  • Pachacuti Reign: 1438−14711438-1471; transformed a chiefdom into an empire.
  • Sapa Inca: Divine ruler, son of Inti; functioned as Chief Priest; led polytheistic rituals, mummified dead, performed sacrifices (qhapaq hucha), like the Ice Maiden.
  • Economy: Subsistence-based; used mit'a labor tax; no currency, relied on barter; limited trade.
  • Infrastructure: Extensive roads/bridges; travel by foot, with llamas as pack animals.
  • Control: Chasquis (messengers); bonfires for revolts; unified four regions under Cusco; population displacement; inspectors (tokoyrikoq).
  • Moral Precepts: Ama sua (Do not steal), Ama llulla (Do not lie), Ama quella (Do not be lazy).

North America: Cahokia and Mississippian

  • Period: 800−1600800-1600 CE.
  • Cahokia: Major Mississippian city; central mound; peak population up to 40,00040{,}000; abandoned ~14501450 CE.
  • Characteristics: Matrilineal; extensive trade; chiefdoms; platform mounds; wattle and daub construction.

Southwest: Mesa Verde and Chaco

  • Settlements in American Southwest.
  • Features: Dry climate; stone buildings; advanced water collection; Mesa Verde cliff dwellings, ancestors to modern Native American groups.

Mesoamerican States Timeline

  • Key Civilizations: Olmecs, Preclassic Maya, Classic Maya, Postclassic Maya, Mexica (Aztecs), Inca Empire.
  • Mexica (Aztecs): Itzcoatl's rule (1427−14401427-1440) formed Triple Alliance; tribute to Tenochtitlan.
  • Inca Empire: Founded 14381438; expanded under Pachacuti (1438−14711438-1471) and Tupac Inca Yupanqui (1471−14931471-1493); largest Pre-Columbian empire.