Timeline by Lily Meo

Maya 1500 BCE

lmeo18 — 2024-09-25 16:57:55 UTC

They were located in Central America. The Mayans were polytheistic and women were able to be Priestesses for the moon god. The kings were claimed to be sent from the Gods and the people were required to pay taxes for labor in the government. Some advancements the Mayans used were slash-and-burn agriculture and also terraced fields to limit the amount of erosion. They also developed a calendar and studied math and astronomy to predict eclipses. With that, they also had the most advanced writing system.

Cahokia 700 CE

lmeo18 — 2024-09-25 16:59:48 UTC

The Cahokia Empire was located in modern-day Illinois shortly after crossing the Mississippi River in Missouri. They built huge earthen mounds that were used for religious purposes, this is known as a part of the Mississippian culture. They also followed the concept of animism believing that every natural thing has a soul. Cahokia was the largest trading center where they used canoes along the river to trade corn, beans, and squash.

Mesa Verde 1190 CE

lmeo18 — 2024-09-25 17:03:11 UTC

The Pueblo Peoples originated from Colorado. Around 1190, they began constructing multi-story buildings using sandstone bricks and concrete beneath the mesa. They lived on the mesa, growing squash, corn, and beans. Although they didn't have a writing system, they left behind luxurious archaeological remains. To help them hunt, they made the bow and arrow along with pottery. For public gatherings, they would go underground called "great kivas" where they would perform ceremonies, and discuss important problems. They also took part in long-distance trade.

Incas 1230 CE

lmeo18 — 2024-09-25 17:03:28 UTC

The Incas divided their empire into four provinces, each with a bureaucracy and governors to rule the territory efficiently. They worshipped the Sun God and believed the priests could interpret the gods' messages. They terraced the mountains to grow root crops. They also used animals including llamas and alpacas for their meat and wool. They did not have a writing system but used the quipu which was colored rope knotted to send messages and documents with. They also forced the mita labor which was public services acting as a tribute to the empire.

Aztecs 1325 CE

lmeo18 — 2024-09-25 17:03:50 UTC

The Aztec Empire's capital city was Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs grew many crops varying from corn, beans, and squash. They grew their crops on chinampas which were floating gardens. Women played an important role in making these and wove the valuable cloth needed for the gardens. They believed in many gods but one was especially important to them for human sacrifices, the sun god. Their government was centralized with a king who frequently defeated other tribes.

Chaco 800 CE

lmeo18 — 2024-09-25 17:04:48 UTC

Chaco was the hub of a civilization composed of large Pueblo buildings. They were known for their distinctive agriculture. Chaco Canyon served as an administrative, trading, and ceremonial center. They participated in long-distance trade, bringing in cocoa, copper, and more. They constructed Great Houses with over 600 rooms, including circular ones for meetings and ceremonies, and developed a network of roads connecting their cultural sites.

End of Mayan Empire- 1539 CE

efranke87 — 2024-09-26 16:27:57 UTC

The Mayan Empire fell because of a combination of things. In some areas, there was destruction and brutality on their buildings and monuments that led them to stop building. Warfare or an agricultural catastrophe could have occurred leading to those problems. Although their empire collapsed, they did not and a lot are still remaining to this day.

End of Cahokia Empire- 1500 CE

efranke87 — 2024-09-26 16:28:24 UTC

The Cahokia empire ended because the people abandoned it. Some theories state they left because of extreme weather, agriculture couldn't support the large cities or a disease outbreak. Along with that, more ideas state that the weather disaster led to political battles with neighboring groups.

End of Chaco Empire- 1200 CE

efranke87 — 2024-09-26 16:28:49 UTC

The Chaco Empire fell because of abandonment. Major droughts occurred leading the people to seek places with water. Although this is a reason they could have left, researchers say it's not enough for them to abandon the area completely. They still do not know the for sure answer.

End of Mesa Verde Empire- 1300 CE

efranke87 — 2024-09-26 16:31:04 UTC

There is no complete answer as to why this empire ended, but it is thought that drought, violence, and lack of resources led to its downfall. As the area got dryer, they were unable to access their resources. Although this empire fell, the cliff dwellings still exist.

End of the Inca Empire- 1530 CE

efranke87 — 2024-09-26 16:31:56 UTC

The Inca Empire fell because Francisco Pizarro prevailed and civil war weakened the army because of the death of Emperor Huanyna. Huanyna's family fought over the power and his son Atahualpa won. But Pizarro captured him and killed him, causing him to take over. Diseases like smallpox also wiped out almost all of the population.

End of the Aztec Empire- 1521 CE

efranke87 — 2024-09-26 16:32:57 UTC

The Aztecs fell because of Hernán Cortés and his tiny Spanish Army that overthrew their ruler, Moctezuma Xocoyotzin. Their weaponry and smart tactics were too hard to battle against and the European disease also was present. These combining factors led to the Aztecs being easily defeated.