Aztec-Civilization.docx

**Aztec Civilization** (1325-1521) - A Mesoamerican Civilization that flourished in Central Mexico in the post-classic period 1325 to 1521. - They arrived in Central America around the 13th century. - Tenochtitlan is the capital city (Mexico City) **TEOTIHUACAN PYRAMID** The country'...

**Aztec Civilization** (1325-1521) - A Mesoamerican Civilization that flourished in Central Mexico in the post-classic period 1325 to 1521. - They arrived in Central America around the 13th century. - Tenochtitlan is the capital city (Mexico City) **TEOTIHUACAN PYRAMID** The country's most prominent site, and one of the world's most important archaeological treasures. **AZTEC RELIGION** Polytheistic - Human Sacrifice; about 20,000 per year in which bodies taken to the top of pyramids, chests were cut open, heart ripped out, and body thrown off - Some historians say bodies were sometimes eaten by royalty **Contributions to Science & Technology** **MANDATORY EDUCATION** - Aztec Civilization puts value on education, their children are mandated to attend schools where they were taught the traditions and history of their people. - Common people were known as "Macehualtin" - For boys, the Telpochcalli schools focused on preparing them for warfare and teaching boys their way of living. - The children of the nobility were called "Calmecac" where Noble boys trained to be leaders in the military, priesthood and government - Girls attended separate schools with essential subject for Aztec women **ANTISPASMODIC MEDICATION** - The Aztecs were among the most advanced in the medical field - Antispasmodic Medication could prevent muscle spasms and relax muscles - Passion Flower **CHINAMPA** - Also called "the floating gardens" - A type of artificial created in lakes and wetlands - Mainly found in the Valley of Mexico **USES:** Agriculture, Aquaculture, Housing Purpose of Chinampa **Food Production:** Important for feeding the growing population of the Aztec Empire, providing a stable food supply **Ecological Benefits:** Helped improve water quality and prevented erosion in the Valley of Mexico, contributing to a healthier environment. **INVENTION OF CANOE** - Aztec canoes were made from hallowed-out logs, primarily using wood from trees like Ahuehuete (Mexican cypress) - Aztecs used tools crafted from obsidian and flint to shape the wood - Transporting goods and people - Warfare and conquest - Fishing and hunting **AZTEC CALENDAR** - The Aztec calendar had two parts: a 260-day religious cycle for rituals (Tonalpohualli) and a 365-day cycle for farming and daily life (Xiuhpohualli). - Tonalpohualli or Sacred Calendar - Xiuhpohualli or Solar Calendar - Every 52 years, the two cycles aligned, marking a special ceremony to ensure the world's survival. - A large stone calendar, featuring the Sun God Tonatiuh, was found in 1790 and is now in Mexico City's National Museum. **Ancient China** Ancient China was a vast and complex civilization that emerged thousands of years ago. The earliest known Chinese dynasty is the Shang Dynasty, which is estimated to have existed between 1600-1046 BCE. This ancient empire witnessed remarkable advancements in various fields in medicine, science, mathematics, engineering, agriculture, and technology. Contributions of China in different fields 1. **[Medicine]** - **ACUPUNCTURE** was a common kind of treatment in China long before the earliest Chinese medical text, the Neijing, sometimes called \"The Classic of Internal Medicine of the Yellow Emperor,\" was written. Tiny needles are put into particular meridians at certain places in acupuncture. - **HERBAL MEDICINE** Herbs and herbal formulas are used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote and enhance organ function and overall health. A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner can develop a healing effect that goes beyond the chemical makeup and physical characteristics of the herbs by grasping the essence of the various herbal components. - **QI GONG & TAI CHI** Chinese practices tai chi and qi gong by combining slow, deliberate movements, meditation, and breathing exercises. The routines were not designed to burn calories or raise your heart rate but instead both tai chi and qi gong are martial arts that can help your circulation, balance, and alignment. 2. **[Science]** - **EARTHQUAKE DETECTOR** In ancient China, Zhang Heng invented the earthquake detector in 132 AD. It is used not only to detect tremors but also serves as an early warning system for officials. The Chinese believed earthquakes were heavenly signs of discontent, prompting quick responses to protect the kingdom\'s stability and well-being. - In ancient China, the **COMPASS** was invented in the Han Dynasty. It was a vital navigational tool used for determining direction. Initially invented as a divination tool, it later evolved into a magnetic compass for maritime navigation. This innovation revolutionized travel, trade, and military operations, enhancing exploration and expanding Chinese influence. - The **GNOMON** was widely used in ancient China from the second millennium BC onward in order to determine the changes in seasons, orientation, and geographical latitude. The ancient Chinese used shadow measurements for creating calendars that are mentioned in several ancient texts. - **CELESTIAL OBSERVATIONS** Ancient Chinese astronomers kept a wide range of records of celestial phenomena, including solar and lunar eclipses, sunspots, comets, meteors, novae, supernovae, planetary events, and auroras. These observations provided invaluable data for understanding the workings of the heavens. 3. **[Mathematics]** - **MECANICAL CLOCK** The mechanical clock was invented by Yi Xing, a Buddhist monk, and Liang Lingzan, a Tang dynasty engineer, around 725 AD in China. It was primarily used to track time accurately and regulate daily activities, including astronomy and religious ceremonies. - **DECIMAL SYSTEM** The Chinese used a decimal system as early as the 13th century BC. They were among the earliest civilizations to use a decimal system, and their counting boards (precursor to the abacus) influenced the development of this system in India. - **COUNTING RODS** are small bars, typically 3--14 cm (1\" to 6\") long, that were used by mathematicians for calculation in ancient East Asia. They are placed either horizontally or vertically to represent any integer or rational number. - **ABACUS** China was one of the ancient civilizations that used the **abacus**, a manual calculating tool. It is used to perform addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. It can also be used to extract square roots and cubic roots of a number. 4. **[Engineering]** - **BRIDGES** China has a long history of bridge construction. One of the most famous is the Anji Bridge, also known as the Zhaozhou Bridge, built during the Sui Dynasty around 605 AD. It is the world's oldest open-spandrel segmental arch bridge made of stone. - **DRY DOCK FACILITY** China was a pioneer in maritime engineering. During the Song Dynasty (960--1279), China developed the first dry dock facility. This innovation allowed ships to be repaired and maintained while out of the water. - **IRON SMELTING** China developed advanced iron smelting techniques as early as the 5th century BC. By the Han Dynasty (206 BC--220 AD), China was producing cast iron on a large scale using blast furnaces that allowed for mass production of tools, weapons, and farming equipment. - **PORCELAIN** China is world-famous for its invention of porcelain. It is a type of ceramic made by firing kaolin clay at high temperatures. This true, or hard-paste, porcelain was made from petuntse, or china stone (a feldspathic rock), ground to powder and mixed with kaolin (white china clay). - **BRONZE ARTIFACTS** The bronze casting techniques developed during the Shang and Zhou dynasties marked a significant leap in metallurgical engineering. Chinese artisans produced intricate bronze artifacts, such as vessels, weapons, and ritual objects rather than for practical uses, using advanced molds and high-quality alloys. 5. **[Agriculture]** - **WHEELBARROW** In 231 A.D, Zhuge Liang of Shu Han in China created a single wheel cart for an efficient way of transportation. It was a valuable tool for moving heavy loads, such as agricultural produce. It was also used to quickly and effectively carry injured soldiers out of ancient battlefields. - **IRON PLOUGH** Around 300 B.C., the Chinese started using plows that were shaped in a way that could simultaneously turn and cut into the earth. By 100 A.D., the plows were made entirely out of iron. Turning the earth is important for getting more nutrients out of your land and can even turn "barren" land fertile. - The **SEED DRILL** is a device that plants the seed into the soil at a uniform depth and covers it. According to records, the use of seed drills by the Chinese can be dated back to the 2nd Century BC. The device made farmers' job easier and highly improved the agricultural output in China. - **ROW CROP FARMING** While ancient Chinese started planting crops in rows from the 6th century BC. Farmers from other parts of the world still scattered seed onto the fields randomly. The Chinese planted individual seeds in rows, thus reducing seed loss and making crops grow faster and stronger. This technology was not used in the western world until 2200 years later. - **TEA**, a beloved beverage with a rich history, originated in ancient China. Its popularity soared during the Tang Dynasty, and Lu Yu\'s Cha Jing, the world\'s first comprehensive monograph on tea, explained its cultural significance. The world\'s oldest living tea tree, found in Lin Cang, China, stands as a symbol of tea\'s longevity. - **SILK** originated in China as early as 6,000 years ago. The earliest evidence was discovered at Yangshao culture site in Xiaxian County, Shanxi Province, China where a silk cocoon was found cut in half. The Chinese mastered sophisticated silk weaving tech and closely guarded secret, and the West had to pay gold of the same weight for the silks. 6. **[Technology]** - **PAPER** was invented in China by Ts\'ai Lun, who used materials like mulberry bark, hemp, and rags to create the first paper sheets. It was quickly adopted for various purposes, including writing, printing, and packaging. - **MOVEABLE** **TYPE** **PRINTING** was invented in China around 1048 by Bi Sheng. This technique used clay types to create individual characters, which could be rearranged for different texts. - **GUNPOWDER** originated in China during the Tang Dynasty (9th century). It was initially discovered by alchemists seeking an elixir of life but was later adapted for use in fireworks and eventually, as a propellant for weapons. - **UMBRELLAS** were primarily made in China, dating back to around 3500 BC. They were typically crafted using bamboo sticks and animal skins. It was inspired by children using lotus leaves as rain shelter. - **TOOTHBRUSH** The Chinese have a long history of dental hygiene practices. They invented the first natural bristle toothbrush in the 15th century. These early toothbrushes featured pig bristles attached to a bone or bamboo handle. - **PAPER MONEY** was first invented by the Chinese during the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century. It was a practical solution to the cumbersome task of carrying large amounts of heavy coins. This innovative invention paved the way for modern monetary systems. - The **KITE** was indeed developed by ancient Chinese around 3,000 years ago. The earliest kites were made of wood, called Muyuan. They were originally used for military purposes like sending messages, measuring distances, testing wind, and signaling. **Mayan Civilization** The Mayan civilization was a Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in the Yucatán Peninsula, southern Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of Belize and El Salvador. They were known for their advanced knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and agriculture, as well as their impressive architecture and complex social structures. They lasted for approximately 2000 years. Contributions to Science 1. Astronomy - Knowledge of celestial bodies The Mayans had a deep understanding of the cycles of the sun, moon, and planets. They used this knowledge to predict eclipses, plan religious ceremonies, and navigate long distances. - Observatories The Mayans built observatories, such as the Caracol at Chichen Itza, to study the celestial bodies. These observatories were aligned with astronomical phenomena, allowing the Mayans to make precise observations and calculations. - Accurate Calendars The Mayans developed multiple interconnected calendars, including the solar Haab calendar and the sacred Tzolkin calendar. These calendars were used to track the movements of the sun, moon, and planets, as well as to predict eclipses and plan agricultural activities. - Architecture The Mayans were renowned for their impressive architectural achievements, which reflect their advanced engineering skills and artistic abilities. Their structures, often built with stone and mortar, are characterized by their pyramid-shaped temples, palaces, and ball courts. sophisticated hydraulic systems to manage water resources, particularly in areas with limited rainfall. They built canals, reservoirs, and terraces to ensure a reliable water supply for agriculture and domestic use. - Mathematics number system (vigesimal) that included a concept of zero. This was a significant mathematical advancement, as it allowed for complex calculations and astronomical observations. 2. Agriculture - Slash-and-burn agriculture In some regions, the Mayans used a technique called slash-and-burn agriculture, where they cleared forest land by burning vegetation and planting crops in the ashes. - Terracing To cultivate steep slopes, the Mayans developed intricate systems of terraces. This technique allowed them to maximize arable land and prevent soil erosion. - Irrigation The Mayans constructed canals, reservoirs, and cisterns to manage water resources, especially in areas with limited rainfall. This ensured a reliable water supply for their crops. - Crop rotation To maintain soil fertility, the Mayans practiced crop rotation, alternating different crops in the same field to prevent nutrient depletion. - Weaving Mayans were skilled weavers who used looms to create textiles from cotton. Their textiles often featured intricate designs and patterns inspired by their mythology and religion. The Mayans used natural pigments to dye their textiles, producing a variety of colors. These textiles were used for clothing, blankets, and ceremonial items, and their weaving traditions continue to be practiced today. - Writing System Mayan hieroglyphs were a complex writing system used by the ancient Mayans. This script was primarily found carved in stone or painted on ceramics. Many glyphs were based on pictures, but abstract symbols were also used. Mayan writing was used to record dates, astronomy, and history, and often dealt with religious beliefs and mythology. The **Incan Civilization** is also renowned in Mesoamerica. They developed scientific ideas and technology such as: 1. building roads covered with stones 2. constructing stone structures that could survive earthquakes and other natural calamities 3. developing quipu, a system of knotted ropes to keep records that only experts can interpret 4. inventing a calendar with 12 months to mark their religious festivals and prepare them for planting season 5. developing irrigation system and technique for storing water for their crops to grow in all types of land 6. building the first suspension bridge 7. creating Inca textiles