Post on 18-May-2015
The Aztec and Inca Empires1300-1500
Physical Geography and Environmental Adaptation
The Aztec Empire
The Aztec Empire
The Valley of Mexico-several large shallow lakes and fertile soil
Settled on Lake Texcoco because of a legend…
An eagle perched on a cactus, holding a snake in its mouth (Tenochtitlan)
Causeways and canals for transportation and aqueducts for fresh water. Tons of dirt to build up city.
The Aztec Empire
Based on intensive agriculture-maize, beans, and squash in a warm, humid environment.
Land and food of conquered people was often demanded as tribute
Agriculture in Tenochtitlan-chinampas (20,000 acres)
FOUR corn crops per year were possible
Dikes built to close off fresh water from brackish water (5.5 miles by 23 feet)
The Aztec Empire
No wheel or suitable animals for power (no draft or pack animals)
Women spent 30-40 hours per week just to prepare the basic food-corn (no mills)
A system of roads existed (part of the tribute of conquered peoples), mainly for foot travel (rest stops and latrines every 10-15 km)
COMMUNICATION
The Inca Empire
The Inca Empire-Environment
Terrace agriculture on the steep slopes of the Andes (mostly dry)
Complex technology of irrigation to water their crops
Based on intensive agriculture-maize, quinoa, potato (developed method of freeze drying potatoes for times of food shortages)
Controlled a wide range of ecological zonesAdapted in ways that surprise scientists
Terraced Farming
Irrigation Canals
Inca Road System
Most spectacular of the public works projects
Symbolized the power of the Incan state
14,000 miles long Spanned mountains and
deserts – two main arteries (mountains and coast)
Rest stops for messengers
Typically built of stone and lined with trees
Channel of drinking water running alongside
Suspension bridges Easy movement of
troops and communication throughout a large empire
Inca Road System
Domesticated Animals
The Llama-Helped to transport goods and food through the Andes mountains (pack animal)
Provided wool and meatOffered to the gods as a sacrificeNo practical use for the wheel
The Llama