1. Explain how the Aztec religion played a role in the demise of the Aztecs. (5pts)

2. Explain how the Incan Empire was able to maintain a large and diverse empire. (5pts)

3. Describe 2 ways in which the Aztecs and Incas were similar. Describe 2 ways in which they were different. (5 pts)

Question 1: Explain how the Aztec religion played a role in the demise of the Aztecs.

Answer: Their religion contributed in their downfall, starting with the arrival of Hernan Cortes to Mexico. That's when the Aztec Emperor, Moctezuma 2, thought Hernan Cortes was a god because according to the Aztecs, the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, whom they credited with the creation of humans among other notable feats, was set to return to Earth so they thought that Cortés could be Quetzalcoatl, Montezuma greeted and welcomed Hernan Cortes with great honor, never expecting that Cortes had intentions in claiming Mexico for Spain and demising the Aztecs.

Question 2: Explain how the Incan Empire was able to maintain a large and diverse empire.

Answer: The Incan Empire was able to maintain a large and diverse empire because they had an official language, good infustructure and a ready source of revenue and labor.

Question 3: Describe 2 ways in which the Aztecs and Incas were similar. Describe 2 ways in which they were different.

Answer:

Similarities

• Both the Incas and Aztecs believed in and worshipped the sun god.

• They both practiced and participated in human sacrifices.

Differences

• Aztecs had more craftspeople (artisans, merchants) and due to this, they had more diverse social classes.

• The Aztec differ from the Inca in ruling because they weren't as complex in keeping track of important information such as taxes, war losses, soldiers, and the amount of gold left in a riverbed.