What was the political structure of Mesoamerica?
The Aztec empire was made up of a series of city-states known as altepetl. Each altepetl was ruled by a supreme leader (tlatoani) and a supreme judge and administrator (cihuacoatl). The tlatoani of the capital city of Tenochtitlan served as the Emperor (Huey Tlatoani) of the Aztec empire.
What was Mesoamerica government?
The Mayans developed a hierarchical government ruled by kings and priests. They lived in independent city-states consisting of rural communities and large urban ceremonial centers. There were no standing armies, but warfare played an important role in religion, power and prestige.
Why did the Maya go to war?
Environmental challenges, disputes with neighbors, and scarcity of resources led to the Mayans at war. However, as archeologists explored more Mayan cities and more evidence was uncovered, they realized that Mayans often fought wars, especially during the Late Classical era of 600 to 900 A.D.
Did the Mayans and Aztecs go to war?
No, not if by “the Aztecs” we mean the Aztec Empire, before the Spaniards came. There were Aztec garrisons on the Maya frontier, and very likely plans to attack. But then the Aztecs themselves were attacked – by the Spaniards.
What was the political and economic organization of the Aztec Empire?
The Aztec Empire’s political organization was characterized by expansion, strong government officials, and the Spanish conquest of the empire, and its economic organization was characterized by agriculture, tribute systems, and trading. In fact, The Aztec Empire was split into two eras: during Tepanec and post-Tepanec.
What destroyed the Mayan empire?
An enormous drought that swept across Mexico around 1,000 years ago triggered the demise of one of the world’s greatest ancient civilisations. Scientists studying the climate at the time of the ancient Maya found that rainfall fell by up to 70 per cent at the time the region’s city states were abandoned.
How was the Mesoamerica economy?
The cultivation of corn (maize), as well as of a number of secondary crops, provides basic subsistence for all of Mesoamerica. Secondary crops include beans, squash or pumpkins, chili peppers for seasoning, and tomatoes.
What happened to the Zapotecs?
The Zapotecs were ultimately destroyed by Spanish invaders. Having lost militarily to the Aztecs in battles from 1497–1502, the Zapotecs tried to avoid confrontation with the Spaniards, and hopefully the tragic fate of the Aztecs.
How did war affect the Maya?
Wars and warfare were important to the Maya for a variety of reasons, including subjugation of neighboring city-states, prestige, and capture of prisoners for enslavement and sacrifices.
What are the 4 main causes of the Mayan civilizations collapse?
Scholars have suggested a number of potential reasons for the downfall of Maya civilization in the southern lowlands, including overpopulation, environmental degradation, warfare, shifting trade routes and extended drought. It’s likely that a complex combination of factors was behind the collapse.
Who was worse Aztecs or Mayans?
The Maya were the most ancient by a wide margin. Both the Maya and Aztecs controlled regions of what is now Mexico. The Aztecs led a more brutal, warlike lifestyle, with frequent human sacrifices, whereas the Maya favoured scientific endeavours such as mapping the stars.