The World in 1500What are the big superpowers of the day and why should I care?

Aztec- Mayan- Incan

Our World The big idea is for you to know how much the Europeans changed the world in the 1500sbut first...

You have to know what that world was like in order to understand that big change the Europeans wrought

Our World We will discuss the major trade, political forms, and society of:

* Ottoman Empire

* Mughal Empire

* Safavid/Persian Empire

* Chinese Empire

* Songhai Empire

* Aztec, Mayan, Incan Empire

AMI

AztecMayanIncan

Aztec -Mayan-IncanGeographically isolated from the rest of the world - that is important when it comes to the Era of Exploration

Aztec -Mayan-IncanSocially advanced with large, well developed empires, systems of trade, and networks

Aztec -Mayan-IncanAgriculturally advanced with extensive networks of food production

They invented corn - they cross bred grasses until they created corn...no one in Europe at corn before Columbus!

Incans used Quinoa which is a type of grain that carries a strong dose of protein - long distance runners use it.

Aztec -Mayan-Incan

Aztecs - occupied Mexicocapitol city of Tenochtitlanvery large population, temples, markets, and palaces

worshipped Quetzalcoatl

advanced mathematics and calendars

metalworking, pottery, weavingfierce military- warriors top of society

Aztec -Mayan-IncanMayans - occupied Yucatan peninsula (El Salvador today)

skilled engineers and architects

writing system based on pictures or “glyphs”

religion based on multiple goods and agriculture

astronomy experts

Aztec -Mayan-Incan

Incans - occupied western strip of South America (today, Peru, Equador, Bolivia, and Chile)capitol was Cuzxo

worship sun and moon

Emperor had absolute power

advanced irrigation systems

Aztec -Mayan-Incan

Used llamas (not horses - no horses in North or South America...that will be important later)

Spoke Quechua- excellent system of roads and communication though never developed writing - used quipu - series of knots on parallel strings

produced ceramics, textiles, metals.

Very advanced in medicine, developed anesthetics and performed brain surgery

Why You Should Care?Even with all the advancements these sophisticated, well-developed societies had, they will not become the dominate powers of the world.

You job will be to recognize why.