North American and Mesoamerican Cultures

North American Political Traditions

• Mississippian Culture (700 CE - 1450 CE): A large trading empire centered on Cahokia, the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico. Known for large earthen mounds (burial sites). Practiced human sacrifice. Developed a sophisticated astronomical observatory ("Woodhenge"). Had a matrilineal society, tracing descent through women.

• Southwest Civilizations: Adapted to arid conditions in the southwest US, developing irrigation systems for agriculture. Examples include the Navajo, who built irrigation systems, and the Mesa Verde people, who constructed dwellings into cliff sides.

• Iroquois Confederacy: An alliance of five tribes (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca) in the northeast US. A matrilineal society with women in charge of villages and men responsible for warfare and hunting.

Mesoamerican Political Traditions

• Mayan Civilization (250 BCE - 900 CE): A civilization of city-states across the Yucatán Peninsula. Known for innovations like the concept of zero and a complex writing system. Developed an accurate calendar and built massive pyramids for astronomical observations. Polytheistic, with important gods of sun, rain, and corn and human sacrifice.

• Teotihuacan (100 CE - 750 CE): A massive city that profoundly influenced Mesoamerica. Had a large temple complex, including the Avenue of the Dead and one of the largest pyramids. The cause of its disappearance is uncertain, with theories ranging from conquest to internal revolt.

• Toltec Civilization (900 CE - 1168 CE): A military culture that dominated the Valley of Mexico. Considered a "mother culture" for Mesoamerica, influencing subsequent civilizations including the Aztecs. Known for large stone temples and the cult of Quetzalcoatl. Practiced human sacrifice.

• Mexica/Aztec Empire: The Mexica, seeking a new homeland after a period of migration due to drought, settled on an island in Lake Texcoco in 1325, establishing Tenochtitlan. Built causeways for defense and access. Developed chinampas (floating gardens). The Aztec Triple Alliance, a union of the Mexica, Texcoco, and Tlacopan, conquered surrounding civilizations to expand their empire, demanding tribute as well as expanding their religious beliefs and influence. They lacked a bureaucracy and kept local governments intact.

South American Political Traditions

• Chimu Empire (900 CE - 1470 CE): Controlled the lowlands, known for advanced agricultural techniques, irrigation, and extensive agriculture.

• Lupaca Empire (1150 CE - 1463 CE): Controlled the highlands, using stone retaining walls to build terraced fields.

• Inca Empire: Migrated to the Andean highlands, establishing a large empire stretching 2,500 miles along the Andes, creating provinces, and demanding tribute labor (mita system). Conquered areas were forced to learn Quechua and assimilate Inca culture, and used hostages. Roads connected the empire, which was a key to its cohesion.

Social and Cultural Traditions

• Social Structures: Emperors were semi-divine in most empires. Priests held influence. Warriors, nobles, artisans, merchants, farmers, and slaves formed the different social classes. Different social classes throughout both the Mesoamerica and South America civilizations.

• Political Structures: These civilizations utilized different governments styles from Empires, to civilizations of city states, and others with alliances amongst tribes. Variations in structure and governmental styles and ruling bodies.

• Religions: Polytheistic and animistic religions were common, with varying gods and importance placed on human sacrifice in religious practices across the cultures and civilizations.

Gender Roles

• Gender Parallelism: A societal structure that allowed for complementary roles where men and women worked in different spheres seen in MesoAmerica and South America cultures.

• Examples of roles: Some women held positions as priests, merchants, or midwives, while men and women held roles in farming, tribute, and leadership.

Explore the rich political traditions of North American and Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Mississippian Culture, Southwest Civilizations, and the Iroquois Confederacy. Delve into the remarkable achievements of the Mayan Civilization and their city-states. This quiz will test your knowledge of these influential societies.