Comparing Ancient American Civilizations

Comparing Ancient Civilizations:
Maya, Aztec, Inca , Anasazi. Inuit, Mount Builders

Comparing Ancient Civilizations:
Maya, Aztec, Inca , Anasazi. Inuit, Mount Builders

• Long before European explorers discovered North America, there were groups of people living there. Their cultures were different. They had their own traditions, religions, buildings, languages, and beliefs.

• These groups are called civilizations. These civilizations helped influence and shape the country we know today. Cultures are always changing as behaviors and beliefs change over time. Let's investigate some of the differences between ancient and modern civilizations.

Multiple Choice

What is culture?

• A specific region made up of people connected by similar languages and traditions

• Several people living in the same area and sharing the same interests

• The people living today who come from a specific ancestor

• The language, religion, food, music, and art of a group

Multiple Choice

What is a civilization?

• A person or people you or your family are descended from

• A group of people forming a developed and organized society

• The language, religion, food, music, and art of a group

• The people living today who come from a specific ancestor

Maya Civilization
Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras
1800 BCE to 900 CE

• Known for their advanced mathematics and astronomy

• Created an accurate 365 day calendar

• Built impressive architectural structures such pyramids and observatories

• Government was divided into ranks and was ruled by kings and priests

• Farmed corn, beans, squash, and cassava

• worshiped various gods related to nature

Multiple Select

Where did the Maya civilization live? Select all that applies.

• El Salvador

• Mexico

• Peru

• Cuba

• Guatemala

Multiple Select

What were the Maya Civilization known for? Select all that applies.

• • Advanced mathematics and astronomy

• Invented the cell phone

• • Created an accurate 365 day calendar

• Built paved roads

• • Worshiped various gods related to nature

  
  

Aztec Civilization
Central Mexico-Mexico City
1300 CE to 1520 CE

• Built raised, paved roadways

• Emperor was the primary ruler

• Created irrigation systems used for watering crops

• Built floating gardens in lakes to grow food

• Worshiped various gods related to nature

Multiple Choice

Where did the Aztec Civilization live?

• Florida

• Bolivia

• Haiti

• Mexico

Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes the Aztec culture?

• Worshiped various gods related to nature

• Created pottery for trading

• Lived in Guatemala

• • Created an accurate 365 day calendar

Anasazi Civilization
USA-Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico
200 CE to 1300 CE

• Loose government structure; organized into clans

• Developed agricultural practices that allowed them to farm in the desert climate

• Made baskets and pottery for trade

• Built multi-floor adobe buildings high in the cliffs

• Worshiped various gods related to nature

Multiple Select

Which statements best describe the Anasazi culture? Select all that applies.

• Lived in the 4 Corners area of the Southwestern United States

• Created pottery for trade

• Lived in Peru

• • engineered roads and rope bridges

• • Performed brain surgery

Inuit Civilization
Alaska, Canada

• Ate a lot of meat because there weren't many plants in the Arctic.

• They did not farm because the soil was frozen year-round. 

• Used sleds pulled by dogs to travel over the frozen land.

• Hunted polar bear, caribou, walrus, seal, and whale

• Made beautiful carvings from tusks and bones.

• Worshiped various gods related to nature

Multiple Choice

Why did the Inuit mostly eat meat?

• The climate where they lived was too hot to grow plants.

• The soil was frozen all year, so there weren't many plants

• They didn't have irrigation systems for watering crops.

• They didn't like the taste of corn, beans, and squash.

Inca Civilization
Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Columbia
1400 CE to 1533 CE

• Performed brain surgery

• Developed successful agricultural techniques.

• Had an effective government and accounting system

• Known for Intricate stonework

• Engineered roads and rope bridges

• Worshiped various gods related to nature

Multiple Select

Which statements best describe the Inca culture? Select all that applies.

• Worshiped various gods related to nature

• developed successful agricultural techniques.

• Lived in Peru

• • Performed brain surgery

• Lived in the 4 corners of the Southwestern United States.

Mound Builders
Eastern part of the United States
1400 CE to 1533 CE

• Also known as the Adena, the Hopewell, and the Mississippian Peoples.

• Relied on fishing, farming crops, and raising livestock

• Traded with distant tribes

• Mounds were the bases of temples while others were used to bury the dead.

Multiple Choice

Which civilization best describes this image?

• Aztec

• Inca

• Maya

• • Mound Builders