Focus on the continuity and innovation in state-building practices during this period.
The Maya Civilization (Pre-1200 CE)
Time Period: 250-900 CE
Urban Centers & Writing: Built large urban centers with sophisticated writing systems.
State Structure: Decentralized collection of city-states.
Expansion: Focused on creating tributary states rather than gaining territory.
Culture: Emphasis on human sacrifice as a religious practice.
The Aztec Empire (1345-1528 CE)
Origins: Founded by the Mexica (Meshika) people who migrated south in the 14th century.
Empire Formation: Allied with two other states in 1428, establishing the Aztec Empire.
Political Structure: Decentralized power with tributary states, similar to the Maya.
Religious Practices: Continued human sacrifice to appease the sun god.
City Building: Tenochtitlan, the capital, with a population of 150,000-200,000.
Commercialized economy with vast marketplaces.
Elaborate palaces and pyramid temples.
Cultural Heritage: Claimed descent from older Mesoamerican people to legitimize rule.
The Inca Empire (Mid-1400s Onwards)
Location: Andes Mountains, similar area to the previous Wari civilization.
Political Structure: Centralized power with a large bureaucracy.
Labor System: Mita system required labor contributions for state projects.
Infrastructure: Extensive road networks and bridges.
Cultural Borrowing: Adopted practices from earlier civilizations like Wari.
Mississippian Culture (North America)
Time Period: Emerged around 8th or 9th century CE.
Location: Mississippi River Valley.
Political Structure: Hierarchical, led by chiefs known as the "Great Sun."
Mound Building: Known for constructing large burial and ceremonial mounds.
Chaco and Mesa Verde Societies
Location: Southwestern United States.
Environmental Adaptation: Developed methods for water transport and storage.
Building Techniques:
Chaco used sandstone blocks and imported timber.
Mesa Verde built complexes into cliff sides using sandstone.
Conclusion
The civilizations of the Americas during this period showcased a mix of continuity and innovation in their state-building strategies, religion, and infrastructure.