Explain how the Spanish Conquistadors' goals and methods of conquest physically reshape the Aztec and Incan Empires. Use examples from your reading.(2 points)
The Spanish Conquistadors' goals and methods of conquest had a profound physical impact on the Aztec and Incan Empires. Firstly, their main goal was to acquire wealth and power, which they achieved through the systematic plundering of these empires' territories.
One example of this can be seen in the case of the Aztec Empire. When the Spanish arrived in Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire, they were astounded by its wealth and grandeur. They quickly realized the immense wealth that could be gained by conquering and looting the empire. One of the main methods they used to reshape the empire was through the seizure of gold and silver. The Conquistadors forcefully extracted large quantities of these precious metals from the empire, leading to a significant depletion of the Aztec's wealth and resources.
Similarly, in the case of the Incan Empire, the Spanish Conquistadors were driven by the lure of gold and silver. The Incas were known for their advanced mining techniques and their extensive gold and silver reserves. The Spanish took advantage of this and systematically looted the Inca's treasures. One of the most famous examples is the plundering of the Incan city of Cusco, where the Spanish seized enormous amounts of precious metals, leaving the empire economically crippled.
Additionally, the Spanish Conquistadors' methods of conquest led to the physical reshaping of these empires through the destruction of their infrastructure. They vandalized and demolished numerous palaces, temples, and other important structures in their pursuit of wealth. The Spanish also introduced new architectural styles, such as the construction of churches and cathedrals, which were the symbols of Spanish dominance and colonization.
Furthermore, the Conquistadors forcibly recruited indigenous laborers to work in mines and other industries, causing a severe decline in population as a result of overwork, disease, and malnutrition. This demographic impact had long-lasting effects on the physical and social structure of these empires.
In conclusion, the Spanish Conquistadors' goals and methods of conquest had a transformative effect on the Aztec and Incan Empires. Their quest for wealth through plundering gold and silver reserves, coupled with the destruction of infrastructures and the exploitation of indigenous labor, physically reshaped these empires, depleting their wealth and radically altering their societal and physical landscapes.
Explain the Dresden Codex.(2 points)
The Dresden Codex is one of the most significant surviving books from ancient Mesoamerica. Here are two points about the Dresden Codex:
1. Importance: The Dresden Codex is a pre-Columbian Maya manuscript believed to have been created during the late Postclassic period of Mesoamerican history, between the 11th and 12th centuries. It is one of only four Mayan codices that have survived the Spanish conquest, providing valuable insight into Maya culture, astronomy, astrology, and religious beliefs. The codex is written on a long strip of bark-paper and is folded in accordion-like pages.
2. Content: The Dresden Codex primarily focuses on astronomical and religious matters. It contains detailed information about the Maya calendar, including predictions for solar and lunar eclipses, configurations of planets, and detailed calculations for tracking celestial events. It also includes information about rituals, the gods, and mythological stories. The codex is written in hieroglyphic script and accompanied by intricate and colorful illustrations, providing a visual representation of Maya cosmology and religious practices.
The Dresden Codex offers valuable insights into Maya culture, giving us a glimpse into their sophisticated understanding of astronomy and the significance of celestial events in their religious practices. It remains an important document for the study of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations and serves as a testament to the rich intellectual and cultural traditions of the Maya people.