Notes 

Developments Throughout the Americas (1.4):

 

It is important to note that the limited information we have on American civilization comes from oral or archaeological records. When the European colonizers arrived, they did create written records that historians often reference, yet it may be safe to assume that biases did come into play throughout their accounts.

 

The Different Postclassical Civilizations:

 

• Mississippian Culture (also known as Cahokia culture): This society existed between the 700-1500s in the eastern United States in the Mississippi RIver Valley. They are known for their earthen mound.

• The Great Sun was the religious authority for many of the Mississippian societies (chiefdoms). 

• These civilizations operated under a matrilineal society, through which societal standing and inheritance was determined by the mother’s side. 

→ Other American civilizations include the Chaco and Mesa Verde (not heavily covered in WHAP) which existed in the southwestern US and were incredibly dry. They were characterized by their stone and clay houses. 

 

Mayan City States (250-900 CE): this civilization expanded from southern Mexico to Belize, to Honduras and Guatemala. This civilization was ruled as “city-states” ruled by a male king within cities and the surrounding territory. 

• “Conquered” lands would offer tribute to their conquerors (via payments or subjects for human sacrifice). 

• Kings came from Gods, who when died returned to their ancestors Gods. 

• There was no centralized rule and economically, citizens had to serve during war, or pay taxes in the form of crops of labor. 

 

Aztecs:

The Aztec empire was centered in the city of Tenochtitlan in present-day Mexico. 

• The Aztecs relied on a tribute system to fund military expeditions. As the empire expanded and people were conquered, tribute profits increased.

•  A defining feature of the Aztecs was their theocracy, which was ruled by the Great Speaker. Human sacrifice was an essential part of this religious culture. 

 

Incans: The Incan Empire was established in what is now Cuzco, Peru.

• The Incan leader was named Pachacuti. 

• The mit'a system asserts itself as a defining characteristic of the Incan Empire, which was a mandatory forced labor system placed onto the native Incas. 

• The Incas focused on the sun god Inti and often executed human sacrifice during religious events.

• The quipu is an ancient Inca record-keeping device and highlights the Inca sophistication during the period. The Incas also had advanced agricultural techniques.