Ancient Civilizations Interactive Notebook

A Look at the

Mississippian, Maya,

Aztec and Inca

Civilizations

Ancient Civilizations
of the WBy: estern
HemBisyp:here

Hudson Mong

Learning About Time

Watch the “Commonly Asked Questions about Dates” video on
Schoology to learn about the abbreviations/key words listed
below. As you watch, pause the video and write in your own
words what each of these means.

What does B.C. stand B.C. stands for before christ when
for when looking at looking for dates, used on the
Gregorian calendar.
dates?

What does A.D. stand A. D. stands for Anno Domini,
for when looking at meaning “In the Year of The
Lord,” used on the Gregorian
dates? calendar as well.

What does B.C.E. stand B.C.E. defines “before common era
for when looking at when looking at dates.
dates?

What does C.E. stand C.E. refers to the common era when
for when looking at viewing the dates.

dates?

What do c. and ca. C. and C.A. refer to the approximate
stand for when looking time period when looking at dates, as

at dates? not all historical events have been
discovered containing the exact date,
standing for “Circa,” meaning about.

Multiple-tier Timelines

Multiple-tier timelines use two or more rows of events.
While each row represents a different subject, the time
period is the same.

Multiple-tier timelines can be used to help us look at
cause and effect relationships or patterns and themes
among events in a specific period of time.

We will be using a multi-tier timeline to show the rise
and fall of four early civilizations in the Americas: The
Mississippian, Inca, Maya, and Aztec and look for
RELATIONSHIPS between the dates.

The
Mississippians

“mound builders,” are defined as an ancient indian
cultural population differentiatin in contrastiing aspects,
such as religous beliefs, government, social structural
formation, in addition to other various behavioristics.
The defining atributes of the mississippians consisted
towards the fact in which every portion of the society
was interconnected and appended the functionality of
the culture. The civilization continued throughout the
durarion of an approximate 800 years, during the time
period of 1,000 AD, traversing towards the period of
1,500 AD. The mississipians contain a large quantity of
information concealed towards the knowledge
currently, as scientists continue to research this
particular section in history.

The mississippian government was designed and
designated towards a chiefdom, in which descriptions
were provided in an attempt to classify a quantity
containing two seperations, being commoners and
elites. The chiefdom in also integrated within proximity
of the social structure. Elites were conscripted via
religous beliefs. Infrequently, individuals, as well as
associates positioned on relative relations, were
believed to have been descendants of the gods
worshiped throughout the religion and spiritul beliefs.
As a result of this, thought heirs of gods were provided
superior necessities, such as housing, food, treatment,

nourishment as compensation.

The structural formation through society were similar to
that of the government. Elites were provided an excelling
position throughout the society, thus, being evaluated with a
greater level of importance. The lives and pondered
decisions developed by elites were considered as a higher
quantity of value correlated towards the commoners. As an
example of this, when a chief, in addition to an elite, passes
away, an expected one hundred commoners performed
acts of religous suicide as an offering towards the gods.
The elites were burried in religous mounds signifying their
position. In addition, commonersand elites were specified to
contain power in individuality to commoners. This stature
most likely gave differences in behavior and acttions
between commoners, as well as elites and chiefs. The
social structure was, though few contrasts, similar to that of
the government.

Indians among the society were given a job to perform,
each task contradictory in many perspectives, though
multiple containing similar reasoning, as well as outcomes.
The overwhelming majority of objectives consisted of
farming, fishing, hunting, trading, and preaching. Because
many sources of food were provided consistently
throughout the native area, the mississippians commonly
exchanged necessities of

food for resources accustomed but not native to the
location. Food was grown and huntes via these similar jobs,
proving to be plentiful during the duration of the appearence
of the mississippians.

The mississippians had differeligous beliefs, gradually
becoming a large portion of their culture. The beliefs of the
mississippians were based upon mythical creatures, in
addition towarrds the sun. The art, mounds, and elites were
revolved around this section of their culture. Elites were
believed to be descendants of gods, based upon the
mythical creatures. For this reasoning, elites were treated
with high value and importance. The artwork expressed the
spiritual beliefs and indicated a similar format to display this
feature. The mounds worshipped the gods, representing
embodiments of them most likely as offerings. Temple
locations containing workers were common throughout the
society, and all mississippians were tought to follow these
beliefs. The mississippian religion, though indicative of
fanaticism, was prospered as proper and true.

The culture of the mississippian indians was towards
the contrary corresponding towards alternative varieties of
accustoms and beliefs. This tribe was forceful and restrictful
of unaccustomed practices. During the duration of the
mississippian’s existence, the culture and government were
gradually distorted and shaped to what we know today.

Where in the World…
Were the Mississippian Located?

What is the approximate latitude
and longitude of the location you
colored?
What might the weather be like in
this location based on the latitude
and longitude?

What is the approximate latitude and longitude of the location you colored?
33 degrees longitude and 84 degrees latitude, being relatively located nearby Atlanta, Georgia.
What might the climate be like in this location based on the latitude and longitude?
The climate of the location is most likely very high in temperature, as the area is nearby the
equator, in addition with a high humidity.
How would this affect the way people live in this area?

Clean water may be scarce when located nearby the equator, and, in addition, may
force inhabitants to wear a miniscule amount of clothing.

What’s This?

Study this picture and then answer the questions
on the next page.

What’s This?

Use the picture on the previous page to answer the following
questions. *Note these answers are all based on your
observations at this point!

This image appears to

be a burial ground, What is
possibly the Great this?

Serpant Mount. What is the
The large cicles circle on the
left side of the
uses the form of an
drawing?
egg.
Burial Grounds were Why do you
made to barry and think it was
made? What was
honor the passed it used for?
Shaapweamy ainydpiaonsssiby
Why do you
express a religous think they
chose this
or metophorical
shape?
symbol
Molded dirt on land How do you
by hand over think they
decomposing bodies. made this?

The Mounds

Read the Khan Academy article posted in your
Schoology course: Fort Ancient Culture: Great
Serpent Mound. After you read, complete the
page below with your team.

Describe the physical attributes What do archeologists believe
of the Serpent Mound in your might be the reason the mounds

own words: are shaped like a serpent?

Though supposed to Archeologists believe
be a representation of this, as serpents were
a snake, deeming the generally common
name, Great Serpent among the
Mound, the circular Mississippian culture.
shape defiances are
unknown.

The Ft. Ancient Culture The mounds may Danielle Knight GO Interactive, 2015
were believed, with the have been very
indicative of religion
disprovement of the and spiritual beliefs
mounds being geological among the tribe.
features, to create the

mounds.

Who is believed to have created What relationship generalization
it? can you make between the
mounds and the people who
built them?

Research the Relationships

Explore the Mississippian links in the Symbaloo posted in your
Schoology course as well as in the books and other resources available
in class to complete this organizer.

What was the government like? The government was coincided as a chiefdom,
Did powerful relationships exist meaning two separations were defined to form the
government, being classified as either a commoner or
between the people and their an elite. The commoners were specified to follow
leaders?
upon the beliefs of the elites, as well as the
How was their society set up? population of elites containing a higher privilege,
What were the types of jobs such as larger houses and valued clothing The elites
people had? Were the jobs people and chiefs were designated based upon the factor of
did purposeful for the civilization? religious beliefs and positions. Occasionally, the elites
were believed to forecast the sun, weather, and other
Describe their religion. Did the
relationship the people had with seasonal occurrences.
their gods and religious leaders
The Mississippians were developed around the basis
follow rules? of farming and hunting to continuously develop the
population and used as privilege for elites, bartering
What did the people invent, create, for necessities such as crucial material. During the
or trade that allowed them to
exchange ideas or values with current duration of the Mississippian culture,
others they had relationships objectives provided were consistently developed via
with?
hunting, farming, and building, depending on the
What was the agriculture like? reasoning and structure of a build. Without the jobs
What food did they eat? How displayed, the Mississippians wouldn’t’ve contained
the possibility to trade and remain in their current
did they grow it? What
relationships did the people positions
have with their environment?
The religious beliefs of the mound builders focused
towards worshipment of the sun and the importance

of this. Multiple rules were placed to follow when
occurrences took place under the oath of their

religion, such as the fact that when a chief passes,
approximately 100 commoners were expected to
ritually sacrifice themselves towards their religion

The Mississippians commonly developed pottery,
jewelry, as well as versatile items such as cups and
bowls. In addition, these objects were bartered to
receive needed items not native towards the area.
The culture also created mounds to honor the dead
by burying and providing a symbol for the death. The
mississippians were acknowledged for their art and



The Maya

Mayan Overview

The Mayans were considered as an ancient indian culture, utilizing
contrasting religious practices, behavioristics, agriculture, and technology.
The Mayans, as a food resource, consisted of farming, as though the soil
was quite poor, vegetation was thriving, as throughout their location,
rainfall commonly occurred to their area, supplementing their agriculture
and capability of growing food, such as pumpkin, beans, corn, and various
vegetation. This vegetation was traded for various items and advents to
improve their culture and society. Because of this, Mayans were provided
additional time to advance their technology, participate in religion, and
improve their social structure. The social structure consisted of multiple
rankings and positions providing differentiating rights and capabilities. The
placement one is positioned towards is commonly hereditary, as with few
exceptions, it is improbable someone, or their future generations, can bring
adjustment towards their position. Lower rankings were given little to no
rights, privileges, or power. All positions were assigned jobs, such as the
merchant trading with outside territories and slaves performing tasks of
uncompensated labor. The Mayans brought an advent of written language
and number systems, advancing their communication further while
progressing. The Mayans had a base 20 system, as well as the discovery
involving the value and digit of 0. The Mayans, given time and resources,
were able to advance themselves, surpassing many Ancient Indian cultures
and societies. A large portion of information developed through the Mayans
has been integrated and utilized throughout our society, involving various
concepts.

The Mayan location influenced their society and culture throughout
many aspects. The Mayans relied on vegetation as their source of food. This
is because the area received a high amount of rain to accommodate the
plants. As a result, the Mayans utilized this concept, saving time to
perform various concepts, such as language, religion, and additional
actions. In addition, this also maintained a trade through alternative
societies to receive non native materials and resources. In addition, their
location affected their jobs and tasks to perform, such as the fact that
certain tasks were unavailable, such as hunting, fishing, and various tasks
connected to their resources. Finally, an inference can be made that the
weather conditions may have affected their religion. The religion of the
Mayan culture consisted of many gods possessing the abilities of weather
occurrences, examples being thunder, rain, fire, and various conditions.
Though, without these weather conditions commonly occurring throughout
the area, the gods might not have been developed through these beliefs.
For this reasoning, the weather of the location could have affected their
food supply, tasks to perform, and their religion. Because of this, the
location affected the Mayans, indicative of may formative attributes,
developing an understanding of the Mayans, as well as their intricate
culture.

Where in the World…
Were the Maya Located?

Map from ducksters.com What is the approximate latitude and longitude
of the center of the Maya Empire? The location
is approximately 90 W degrees longitude and
17 N degrees latitude.The relative location
would be South-East of Mexico.

What might the climate be like in this location
based on the latitude and longitude? The
location would be relatively warm, as well as
humid, as the placement of the area is nearby
the equator. Because of this, water may be
scarce, though farming can be a simpler task in
certain aspects.

How would this affect the way people live in this
area? Though the water may be scarce,
climate greatly affects the aspect of
temperature when farming. In addition, natural
disasters may occur such as droughts, affecting
the capability of farming.
Clothing would be limited to stay at a cold

The Mayan Government/
Social Structure

Kings, as well as queens, are selected because of
religous beliefs, being thought as a descendant of gods.

Kings become judges when a crime is committed

The priests develop the rules, as well as the decision
to chose which people to sacrifice.

Nobles were replacement judges during the absence of
kings. Nobles wore blankets over their faces to hides
their appearance, This prevented people from
conversing with nobles.
Merchants and craftsmen worked jobs
specified towards their division, some
working for better lives and some worked
as nobles wanting the job.

Commoners were the lowest ranked in which they were
given a lesser quantity of necessities, such as food,

water, and shelter. They had to pay commision towards
the rulers.

Overview of Mayan government:

Mayan Religion Mural

Our Image depicts the Mayan culture and displays the
religion of the tribe. I believe this statement because
the concept of their religious beliefs. Because of this,
we have illustrated the gods believed to control various
abilities, such as hurricanes, fire, the earth, thunder,
rain, and the clouds. For this reasoning, we have
depicted the gods, displaying their powers and
appearances. Additionally, we decided to include an
image representing their abilities towards the center.
Therefore, this image depicts the religious culture of
the Mayan tribe.

Mayan Language and
Number Systems

My image represents my birth date written in
the Mayan numerical form.. (4/10/08.) The
Mayan writing system functions as a base 20
form using a symbol to depict a value. Because
of this, each group of symbols represents a
singular number in my birth date.

Determine the Relationships

Explore the Mayan links in the Symbaloo posted in your Schoology
course as well as in the books and other resources available in class to
complete this organizer.

What was the government like? 1. The Mayan government can be described as a monarchy,
Did powerful relationships exist as people were positioned throughout different

between the people and their occupations, though many selections of one’s position were
leaders? determined via religion. Powerful relations were
nonexistent, as people had unbalanced rules and
capabilities throughout their culture.

How was their society set up? 2. The Mayan social structure was hereditary, as traversing
What were the types of jobs through positions was not viable. People could not marry to
people had? Were the jobs people
did purposeful for the civilization? different rankings. The system did not enable people to
adjust their subordinate positions. Higher rankings were
Describe their religion. Did the treated with more privilege and adequate rights, being in
relationship the people had with order from greatest ranking to least, the kings and queens,
their gods and religious leaders priests, nobles, merchants, and commoners, and the slaves.
People were prescribed jobs dependant on their positions,
follow rules? such as farmers, priests, trading, uncompensated labor and

What did the people invent, create, various alternative jobs.
or trade that allowed them to
exchange ideas or values with 3. The religious beliefs consisted of gods controlling various
others they had relationships abilities, mainly consisting of the effects caused by weather,
with?
such as hurricanes, thunder, and fire. People fanatically
What was the agriculture like? worshipped these people through acts of sacrifice and
What food did they eat? How nourishment of those thought to be descendants. People at
higher rankings were commonly selected via religion.
did they grow it? What People believed by treating believed descendants properly,
relationships did the people they, in return, would receive compensation. People against
have with their environment?
this cultural religion were killed.

4. The Maya created languages and reading systems to
assist them through communication, utilized in many
actions, proving to be a great invention. In addition, the
Mayan culture consistently farmed, avoiding hunting and
fishing, giving them more time to perfect other issues.
These concepts could possibly be traded and bartered to

receive alternative non native items.

5. The Mayan commonly used the concept of farming and
agriculture throughout their community to feed themselves.
This process provided more time to perfect their community

and imperfections. They grew plants such as pumpkin,
squash, pumpkins, beans, corn, and various other

vegetation. Though the soil was quite poor, the area was
great for vegetation, as the community received 36 inches

Ancient Maya
Concept Map

The Aztec

At the end of this unit,
you will insert at least
three images on this page
that you feel represent
the Aztec people. Delete
this text box when this is
complete.

At the end of this unit, you will write a
well-developed paragraph in this space explaining
what you learned about the Aztec people. You
might want to include who the Aztec people were,
what they valued, how their society was set up, the
relationship generalizations you uncovered while
learning about the people, etc. *Note: Your pictures
on page 4 should relate to this paragraph!

Where in the World…
Were the Aztec Located?

Map from ducksters.com What is the approximate
latitude and longitude of the
center of the Aztec Empire?
degrees Northern latitude
and 18 degrees western
longitude.It is located East of
the Pacific Ocean and North
of Guatemala.

What might the climate be
like in this location based on
the latitude and longitude?
The climate would most likely
be humid and hot, as the
area is located near the
equator. Though, because
their central territory is
located in a valley, the
temperature is lowered and
severe winters occur. The
rainy season lasted from May
to October

How would this affect the
way people live in this area?
Because of weather
condition, such as winters
and rain, vegetation could be
an uncommon food resource,
though water may be a
slighter scarcity in the area.
Clothing and housing is

The Aztec Government/
Social Structure

Ruled by emperor who received tribute from all
tribes in order to remain independent. The

emperor was believed to be appointed by gods
and had right to rule.

Tuchuhtli were rulers of individual city states,
containing power over all inhabitants in the
area. In addition, these rulers chose their

tributes to the emperor.

Pipiltin were the nobles in their social structure.
Wearing gold and feathers. They served as priests,

army commanders, and work government jobs.
These people were usually next in line for the

emperor.

Pochteca were merchants in which they would gather and trade resources for
luxuriant items given to nobles.

Macehualtin were commoners working as farmers, warriors,
and craftsmen.

People sold themselves into slavery to pay off debt or crimes. Slaves
could purchase their freedom, be protected by owners, and could
not be transferred without the owner’s consent. If slaves escaped
and reached the palace, they were free.

Aztec Sun Stone
Calendar

My sun stone depicts the Anicient Aztec religion.
The calendar indicatesn and illustrates their
gods and how their religion revolves through
them. The sun is also useful for predicting solar
eclispses and alternative events.

Determine 1. The aztecs were very advanced in their
government and social structure. The
aztecs were ruled by either an emperor or a

the city state leader. Colonies were developed,
in which each colony paid tributes to the
emperor to maintain peace. Classes placing

Relationship each inhabitant differentiated, and gave
different rights, as well as tasks and jobs.
The relation between people and their
sWhat was the government like? leaders was parasitism, in which only the
Did powerful relationships exist leader benefited Leaders received tributes,
between the people and their gifts, and rights over the commoners and

leaders? lower rankings., whereas he commoners

lost many rights.

How was their society set up? 2. People were separated into different
What were the types of jobs positions and rankings, being 6 positions,
people had? Were the jobs each with benefits and tasks to perform,
people did purposeful for the such as trading, farming, participating in
civilization?

war, and various jobs assigned. Higher

Describe their religion. Did rankings received greater benefits, and

the relationship the people rights higher above others. Each job
had with their gods and balanced their community and benefited
religious leaders follow their society throughout many aspects,
rules? such as food, resources, religion, in addition

What did the people invent, to alternative aspects.

create, or trade that allowed 3. The gods each contained different
them to exchange ideas or importances and needed blessings to
values with others they had please the people. Because of this, people
relationships with?
were sacrificed as tribute through

What was the agriculture volunteering or condemnation.
like? What food did they eat?
How did they grow it? What 4. The Aztecs developed through their
relationships did the people resources of food and technology to
exchange and trade, such as their glyphs,

have with their environment? calendars, and aqueducts to improve their

resources. Their writing system was

Ancient Aztec
Concept Map



The Inca

At the end of this unit,
you will insert at least
three images on this page
that you feel represent
the Incan people. Delete
this text box when this is
complete.

At the end of this unit, you will write a
well-developed paragraph in this space explaining
what you learned about the Incan people. You
might want to include who the Incan people were,
what they valued, how their society was set up, the
relationship generalizations you uncovered while
learning about the people, etc. *Note: Your pictures
on page 4 should relate to this paragraph!

Where in the World…
Were the Inca Located?

Map from ducksters.com What is the approximate latitude
and longitude of the center of the
Inca Empire? Approximately 12
degrees South latitude and 72
degrees west longitude. It is
located West in South America
and East of the Pacific Ocean.

What might the climate be like
in this location based on the
latitude and longitude? Though
the area is located near the
equator, because the location is
on the Andes mountains, the
climate would be mildly cold.

How would this affect the way
people live in this area? The
Incas would wear thick clothing
for the climate, though the area
would be poor for farming for the
reasoning the area is cold and
unflat, though crops such as
corn can be grown for food
resources.

The Inca Government/
Social Structure

The Inca Government:

Inca Social Structure

Nobles: The Inca government were ruled

by the ancestors of the original Inca people.
The emperor or king was the Sapa Inca

Public Administer: They ran the government on

a low level right below the nobles, being three parts, the
Tax collectors, the record keepers, and the Curacas
They keep an eye over the people.

Commoners: Lower group with many important jobs, such as

farming, trading, and building.

Ayllu: Worked as a big family in small groups, each person having a role to play

in their success.

Inca Religion,
Science, Roads,

Language

Determine the Relationships

Explore the Incan links in the Symbaloo posted in your Schoology
course as well as in the books and other resources available in class to
complete this organizer.

What was the government like? No 1. The government had a strong
Did powerful relationships exist relationship among the people to
advance their society, such as the
between the people and their people building bridges and roads to
leaders? expand their community. The
government was a monarchy lead by
How was their society set up? the Sapa Inca or emperor. The people
What were the types of jobs each had important jobs to balance the
people had? Were the jobs people community, though higher rankings
did purposeful for the civilization? received greater rights and consent.
The government took well care of
Describe their religion. Did the their people, providing food and
relationship the people had with water, as well as housing for
their gods and religious leaders compensation. The leaders expanded
their community and were sent to
follow rules? newly conquered areas to ensure the
safety of their people.
What did the people invent, create,
or trade that allowed them to No. 2 Their society was split into
exchange ideas or values with groups, where labor was used to pay
others they had relationships off tax, loans, and debt. The people
with? each had separate jobs that
contributed to their group. This work
What was the agriculture like? expanded their group in many aspects,
What food did they eat? How such as resources, housing, expansion,
and rights.
did they grow it? What
relationships did the people
have with their environment?

Ancient Inca
Concept Map