Module 7 : People and Empires in the Americas

Why was the Incan governing and economic system similar to a form of modern socialism?

Citizen were expected to work for the state and were cared for in return. The aged and disabled were often supported by the state, the state also made sure the people did not go hungry when there were bad harvests.

What did experts originally believe about Mayan agricultural practices and how have those beliefs changed over time?

Experts assumed that the Maya practiced slash-and-burn agriculture, however, evidence shows that the Maya also developed more sophisticated methods, including planting on raised bed above swamps and on hillside terraces.

Why was Topiltzin forced into exile?

He wanted to change the Toltec people's religion.

What gift did Huayna Capac receive from Ecuador and what can be determined about him based on his reaction to the gift?

Huayna Capac undertook a tour of Ecuador, a newly conquered area of the empire. In the city of Quito, he received a gift box. When he opened it, out flew butterflies and moths, considered an evil omen. A few weeks later, while still in Quito, Huayna Capac died of disease.

Why was human sacrifice important to the Aztecs?

In the Aztec belief, Huitzilopochtli made the sun rise every day. WHen the sun set, he had battle the forces of evil to get to the next day. To make sure that he was strong enough for this ordeal, he needed the nourishment of human blood. Without regular offering of human blood, Huitzilopochtli would be too weak to fight. The sun would not rise, the world would be plunged into darkness, and all life would perish.

Why was the development of a calendar significant to worshipers of the Maya religion?

It helped them know what god was in charge.

What does the extensive trade of obsidian amongst the Teotihuacán people show about the Valley of Mexico in regard to the geography of the area and the culture of the people?

It showed that it was access to volcanoes and water to make this green/black volcanic glass. They used this obsidian as the most valuable trade item in Teotihaucan.

What made the Incan Temple of the Sun particularly beautiful?

It was heavily decorated in gold.

What is Machu Picchu and what do experts speculate was the purpose of this place?

Machu Picchu was similar to Cuzco, it was a city that had a sun temple, public buildings, and a central plaza. It was used as a religious center or ceremonial purposes. Others believe it was a retreat for Incan rulers or nobility.

Why did the Aztecs believe that bad things were about to happen to them? Use examples from the text in your answer.

Many Aztec began to predict that terrible things were about to happen due to unusual occurrences like lightning striking a temple in Tenochtitlan, or a partial eclipse of the sun.

What began the period of unrest in the Aztec empire under the reign of Montezuma II?

Montezuma II called for more tribute and human sacrifice.

Why did the system of dual emperors in the Incan empire eventually fail?

One of the emperors became greedy.

What was the economic heart of Tenochtitlán and what would visitors have found there?

Tenochtitlán was an extraordinary urban center. Streets and broad avenues connected the city center with outlying residential districts. Canoes also brought goods from the farthest reaches of the empire to the economic heart of the city, the huge market of Tlatelolco. Visitors to the market also found a great deal of local agricultural produce on display, including avocados, beans, chili peppers, corn, squash, and tomatoes.

What belief helped unify the Incan empire?

The Incan ruler would bring prosperity to the state.

How might have the Maya have retained their strong civilizations instead of declining into small, weak city-states?

The Maya might have retained their strong civilization if they didn't break into warfare against each other. The Maya also could have been a united culture that is loyal to the king. They would have also taken care of the environment around them so it wouldn't lead to food shortages, famine, and disease.

What evidence supports the idea that the Aztec emperor was extremely powerful and demanded respect from his subjects?

The emperor sat atop the Aztec social pyramid. Although he sometimes consulted with top generals or officials, his power was absolute. Visitors who entered his presence would have to go in bare feet and cast their eyes down so as not to look at him.

Why were the merchants considered a special type of elite in the Aztec society?

They acted as spies for the emperor.

Why was the game played in the ball court of particular significance to the ancient Maya peoples?

They believed it helped bring rain.

How were the Aztecs able to provide food for their large urban population?

They grew food on chinampas.

What evidence shows that the Maya were a highly developed civilization? Use specific examples from the text to support your answer.

They used raised beds above swamps and on hillside terraces for planting. The successful farming methods led to the accumulation of wealth and the development of social classes. They established cultural patterns and political and economic structures that were similar to those of later civilizations.

How were the Romans and the Inca similar to each other?

They were both masterful engineers and stonemasons.

In what way did Pachacuti and his successors use diplomacy to extend their rule along the western coast of South America?

They would typically offered enemy states an honorable surrender. They would allow them to keep their own customs and rulers in exchange for loyalty to the Incan state.

One of the beliefs of the Incan people that helped unify them was that their ruler was ______________ would bring prosperity to the Incan state.

the offspring of the sun god

What was the main purpose of the Aztec's elaborate public ceremonies?

to win the favor of the gods

What are two reasons that experts believe the Maya civilization declined into small, weak city-states?

warfare, and population growth