The Americas on the
Eve of Invasion

Chapter Summary

Chapter Summary Continued

Post-Classic Mesoamerica,
1000-1500 C.E.

The Toltec Heritage

Slide 6

The Aztec Rise
to Power

The Aztec

The Aztec Social Contract

Moctezuma II

Religion

Aztec Gods

Ideology of Conquest

The Circle of Life

Tenochtitlan

Slide 16

The Foundation of Heaven

Feeding the People

The Economy of the Empire

Aztec Society in Transition

Widening Social Gulf

The Classes

Imperial Families

Overcoming Technological Constraints

Technology

A Tribute Empire

Military Virtues

In Depth: The "Troubling" Civilizations of the Americas

Twantinsuyu: World of the Incas

The Inca Rise to Power

Rise to Power

Conquest and Religion

Religion

The Techniques of Inca Imperial Rule

Imperial Rule

Labor and State

Woman of the Inca

The Classes

Inca Cultural Achievements

Comparing Incas and Aztecs

Comparing Incas and Aztecs

The Other Indian Nations

Native Americans

How Many Indians?

Differing Cultural Patterns

Differing Cultural Patterns

Differing Cultural Patterns

Differing Cultural Patterns

Conclusion: American Indian Diversity in World Context

The Americas on the
Eve of Invasion