The aztec and inca empire environment

1. The Aztec and Inca Empires
1300-1500
Physical Geography and
Environmental Adaptation

2. The Aztec Empire

3. The Aztec Empire
The Valley of Mexico-
several large shallow
lakes and fertile soil
Settled on Lake Texcoco
because of a legend…
An eagle perched on a
cactus, holding a snake in
its mouth (Tenochtitlan)
Causeways and canals for
transportation and
aqueducts for fresh water.
Tons of dirt to build up
city.

4. The Aztec Empire
Based on intensive
agriculture-maize,
beans, and squash in a
warm, humid
environment.
Land and food of
conquered people was
often demanded as
tribute
Agriculture in
Tenochtitlan-
chinampas (20,000
acres)
FOUR corn crops per
year were possible
Dikes built to close
off fresh water from
brackish water (5.5
miles by 23 feet)

6. The Aztec Empire
No wheel or suitable animals for power (no
draft or pack animals)
Women spent 30-40 hours per week just to
prepare the basic food-corn (no mills)
A system of roads existed (part of the
tribute of conquered peoples), mainly for
foot travel (rest stops and latrines every
10-15 km)
COMMUNICATION

7. The Inca Empire

8. The Inca Empire-Environment
Terrace agriculture on the steep slopes of the
Andes (mostly dry)
Complex technology of irrigation to water
their crops
Based on intensive agriculture-maize,
quinoa, potato (developed method of freeze
drying potatoes for times of food shortages)
Controlled a wide range of ecological zones
Adapted in ways that surprise scientists

9. Terraced Farming

10. Irrigation Canals

11. Inca Road System
Most spectacular of the
public works projects
Symbolized the power
of the Incan state
14,000 miles long
Spanned mountains and
deserts – two main
arteries (mountains and
coast)
Rest stops for
messengers
Typically built of stone
and lined with trees
Channel of drinking
water running alongside
Suspension bridges
Easy movement of
troops and
communication
throughout a large
empire

12. Inca Road System

13. Domesticated Animals
The Llama-Helped to transport goods and
food through the Andes mountains (pack
animal)
Provided wool and meat
Offered to the gods as a sacrifice
No practical use for the wheel

14. The Llama