Please!! Answer these Questions!! 1) What caused the Mayan Civilization to decline? Explain 2) Compare and Contrast the Maya, Aztec, and Incan Civilizations. Describe the similarities and differences regrading Geography, Religion, Social Structure, and Achievements. (7 sentences) 3) How was Mayan society structured? (hint: think who is at the top of the pyramid VS the bottom) 4) What caused defeat of the Aztecs? 5) Describe the five social roles found in Aztec society and what each roles job was in society? 6) What led to the downfall of the Inca Empires? 7) What was unique to the Incan Society? 8) Describe the geography of the Aztec, Maya, and Incan Civilization
History · Middle School · Wed Jan 13 2021
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**2) Compare and Contrast the Maya, Aztec, and Incan Civilizations:**
The Maya, Aztec, and Incan civilizations shared similarities and differences. Geographically, the Maya occupied Mesoamerica, the Aztecs were in Central Mexico, and the Incas were in the Andes. In terms of religion, all three civilizations had complex belief systems, but the Maya were known for their pyramid-shaped temples, the Aztecs practiced human sacrifice, and the Incas revered nature and had a sun god. Socially, the Maya had a class-based society, the Aztecs had a rigid class structure with a powerful emperor, and the Incas had a hierarchical system led by the Sapa Inca. Achievements included advanced architecture and astronomy for the Maya, monumental cities for the Aztecs, and an extensive road network for the Incas.
**3) How was Mayan society structured?**
Mayan society was structured hierarchically. At the top of the pyramid were the ruling elite, including kings and priests, who held political and religious power. The middle class consisted of skilled artisans, merchants, and lower-ranking nobles. At the bottom were commoners and slaves who provided labor for the elite. Social mobility was limited, and individuals typically inherited their social status.
**4) What caused the defeat of the Aztecs?**
The defeat of the Aztecs was primarily caused by the Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, who arrived in 1519. The Aztecs initially mistook Cortés for a god, but tensions rose as the Spanish sought to conquer and exploit the Aztec Empire. The Spanish, aided by indigenous allies who resented Aztec rule, besieged Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital, and eventually overcame the Aztec resistance in 1521.
**5) Describe the five social roles found in Aztec society and their jobs:**
1. **Emperor (Huey Tlatoani):** The ruler who held supreme political and religious authority.
2. **Nobles (Pipiltin):** High-ranking officials and military leaders who served the emperor.
3. **Commoners (Macehualtin):** Farmers, artisans, and laborers who formed the majority of the population.
4. **Slaves (Tlacotin):** Individuals who were enslaved due to debt, criminal activity, or as prisoners of war.
5. **Priests:** Played a crucial role in religious ceremonies and rituals, including human sacrifices.
**6) What led to the downfall of the Inca Empire?**
The downfall of the Inca Empire was primarily due to the Spanish conquest led by Francisco Pizarro. In 1532, Pizarro captured the Incan ruler Atahualpa, leading to internal conflicts and weakening the empire. The spread of diseases introduced by the Spanish, such as smallpox, further devastated the Incan population.
**7) What was unique to Incan Society?**
One unique aspect of Incan society was its advanced system of agriculture, including terrace farming in the mountainous regions. The Inca also had an extensive network of roads connecting their vast empire, facilitating communication and trade.
**8) Describe the geography of the Aztec, Maya, and Incan Civilization:**
The Aztec civilization thrived in the Valley of Mexico, surrounded by mountains and featuring a system of lakes. The Maya civilization occupied the Yucatán Peninsula and parts of Central America, characterized by tropical rainforests and limestone formations. The Inca civilization flourished in the Andes Mountains of South America, with diverse landscapes ranging from high mountain peaks to coastal areas. Each civilization adapted to its unique geographical features to develop distinct cultural and societal characteristics.