Native Americans Before the Arrival of Europeans: A Comparison of the Aztecs, Incas, Pueblo, and Iroquois
1. Introduction
The main purpose of this paper is to find out how different were the Native Americans before the arrival of Europeans. The paper will particularly focus on the Aztecs, the Incas, the Pueblo and the Iroquois. The first group, Aztecs were very dominant in the 14th -16th century. They had an organized empire which was tightly controlled by the elite and the upper class. On the other hand, Incas were known as more peaceful people who had a great control over their environment, through their advance irrigation system. Pueblo were known to be more religious and spiritual people, who had a great connection with nature. Lastly, Iroquois were known as brave warriors, who were always in conflict with neighboring tribes.
2. The Aztecs
The Aztec Empire was one of the most powerful empires in the Americas before the Europeans arrived. The empire reached its height under the rule of Moctezuma II, who ruled from 1502 to 1520. The Aztec Empire was primarily located in what is now Mexico and consisted of about 10 million people. The empire was divided into two parts: Tenochtitlan, which was the capital, and Tlatelolco, which was the second-largest city.
The Aztec empire was very stratified, with a large number of social classes. At the top of the social hierarchy were the emperor and his family, followed by the nobles, priests, merchants, artisans, soldiers, and finally peasants. The majority of Aztecs were peasants who lived in small villages and worked in agriculture.
Aztecs were known for their military prowess and their skill in engineering and architecture. They built great cities with stone pyramids and temples dedicated to their gods. They also constructed a network of roads and canals that linked their cities together.
The Aztec economy was based on agriculture and trade. Corn was the main crop grown by the Aztecs, and it was essential to their diet. Other crops grown by the Aztecs included beans, squash, tomatoes, chili peppers, cotton, and tobacco. The Aztecs traded extensively with other cultures in Mesoamerica and obtained luxury goods such as jade, turquoise, feathers, quetzal feathers(the most valuable), gold, silver, and obsidian from other cultures.
3. The Incas
The Inca Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The empire reached its height under the rule of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, who ruled from 1438 to 1471. The Inca Empire was located in what is now Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina. At its peak, the empire had a population of about 12 million people.
The Inca Empire was very stratified, with a large number of social classes. At the top of the social hierarchy were the emperor and his family, followed by the nobles, priests, artisans, soldiers, and finally peasants. The majority of Incas were peasants who lived in small villages and worked in agriculture.
The Incas were known for their engineering and architecture. They built great cities with stone temples and palaces dedicated to their gods. They also constructed an extensive network of roads and canals that linked their cities together.
The Inca economy was based on agriculture and trade. Corn was the main crop grown by the Incas, and it was essential to their diet. Other crops grown by the Incas included potatoes, quinoa, beans, chili peppers, and cotton. The Incas traded extensively with other cultures in Mesoamerica and obtained luxury goods such as jade, turquoise, feathers, gold, silver, and obsidian from other cultures.
4. The Pueblo
The Pueblo people are a Native American group that has lived in what is now New Mexico and Arizona for more than 2,000 years. The Pueblo people are known for their craftsmanship and their architecture. They built great cities with stone and adobe buildings that were multi-storied and often had hundreds of rooms.
The Pueblo people were also known for their agriculture. They grew corn, beans, squash, and chili peppers. The Pueblo people traded with other Native American groups and obtained turquoise, obsidian, and shells from the Pacific coast.
The Pueblo people have a rich culture that is based on their religion and traditions. The Pueblo people believe in a religion that is a mix of Christianity and traditional Native American beliefs. The Pueblo people also have a rich tradition of artistry that is expressed in their pottery, weaving, and jewelry making.
5. The Iroquois
The Iroquois are a Native American group that has lived in what is now New York state for more than 2,000 years. The Iroquois are known for their skill in hunting and fishing. They also grew corn, beans, squash, and tobacco. The Iroquois traded extensively with other Native American groups and obtained furs, pelts, and wampum from them.
The Iroquois have a rich culture that is based on their traditions. The Iroquois believe in a religion that is a mix of Christianity and traditional Native American beliefs. The Iroquois also have a rich tradition of artistry that is expressed in their woodworking, beadwork, basketry, and quillwork.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, all four of the Native American groups discussed in this paper were quite different from each other. The Aztecs were a very militaristic and stratified society, while the Incas were more peaceful and had a great control over their environment. The Pueblo were a religious and spiritual people who had a great connection with nature. Lastly, the Iroquois were brave warriors who were always in conflict with neighboring tribes.