how did the Aztec and the Inca built their empires/
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The Aztec and Inca built their empires through different strategies and methods. Here's an explanation of how each civilization established their empires:
Aztec Empire:
1. Founding: The Aztec civilization, also known as the Mexica, originated as a small tribe and settled in the Valley of Mexico. They founded their capital city Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco around 1325 CE.
2. Tribute System: The Aztecs used a tribute system to expand their empire. They demanded tribute (payments in goods, services, or captives) from neighboring cities and civilizations. If these cities resisted, the Aztecs would often engage in warfare to bring them under their control.
3. City-State Alliances: The Aztecs formed alliances with other city-states in the region, known as the Triple Alliance or Triple Alliance of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. These alliances allowed them to extend their influence and military power across Mesoamerica.
4. Military Conquests: The Aztecs possessed a highly organized and powerful military. They conducted military campaigns, capturing and assimilating conquered populations into their empire through a process known as "flower wars." These wars were often ritualistic and aimed to capture prisoners for religious sacrifices.
5. Infrastructure and Building: The Aztecs developed intricate infrastructure systems, including canals, causeways, and agricultural terraces. They also constructed massive temple-pyramids and impressive architecture, displaying their wealth and power.
Inca Empire:
1. Territorial Expansion: The Inca Empire, also known as Tawantinsuyu, originated in the highlands of modern-day Peru. Through peaceful integration and military conquests, the Inca expanded their empire across the Andean region, which is present-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and parts of Colombia, Chile, and Argentina.
2. Administrative System: The Inca established an efficient administrative system to govern their empire. They integrated conquered territories by imposing the Quechua language, their religion, laws, and customs. Local leaders were often co-opted into the Inca administration to ensure compliance and stability.
3. Road System: The Inca constructed an extensive and sophisticated road system, known as the Inca Road or Qhapaq Ñan. This network facilitated communication, trade, and military movement across diverse geographical terrain.
4. Agriculture and Terracing: The Incas developed advanced agricultural techniques to overcome the challenges of farming in the Andean mountains. They constructed terraces on mountain slopes to create flat and fertile land, enabling intensive agriculture and maximizing food production.
5. Architecture and Engineering: The Incas were renowned for their impressive stonework and architecture. Their most recognized structure is Machu Picchu, which served as a royal estate and religious sanctuary. The Incas also constructed administrative and religious centers, employing immense stones tightly fitted together without mortar.
Overall, both the Aztecs and Incas built their empires through a combination of military conquest, political alliances, efficient administration, advanced infrastructure, and impressive architectural achievements.