Mayan, Aztec, and Incan Civilizations
Mayan, Aztec, and Incan Civilizations The Mayan, Aztec, and Incan civilizations were far more advanced that what we expected and have made lasting contributions to modern day society. Some of these accomplishments ranged from agriculture to architecture and on to writing and trade. For example, the Mayans advanced in agriculture and the monumental temple and pyramids and the Aztecs traded in the city of Tenochtitlan. Incans advanced in methods of agriculture such as, terracing. The ancient Mayans were located in central Mexico basin on the Yucatan Peninsula and had achievements in architecture, math, astrology, and writing. The Mayans had the tallest structure, a pyramid temple in Tikal, until the twentieth century (Document 1). This shows the ancient Mayans had knowledge about geometry, math, and construction. This is a sign of architecture achievement especially because the Mayans didn’t have the technology to move the big rocks and stones around. This structure proved to be long-lasting and shows the Mayans were far more advanced than what we previously imagined. As long with their advances in architecture the Mayans developed a complex calendar with glyphs (Document 2). These glyphs were based on their advanced writing system. Mayan writing consisted of 800 hieroglyphic symbols and they used their writing system to record important historical events. Glyphs are found on religious temples, stairs, walls of homes, and stairs. In addition, the Mayans were very much interested in astronomy. In fact, they observed the moon, sun, and the stars and then created a calendar! The ancient Aztecs were also located in central Mexico, near Mexico City and its biggest achievement was trading. The Aztecs controlled an extensive trade network, which brought many products from faraway regions to the capital city, Tenochtitlan. Tenochtitlan is a very impressive city, not only because of its impressing trading city, but because of its beauty and complexity. When Spanish