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Mayan Geography
The ancient Maya civilization occupied the eastern third of Central America, primarily the Yucatan Peninsula.
The terrain (land) of the area greatly varied from volcanic mountains in the highlands to lowlands covered by a
rain forest. Many dangerous animals occupied this region of the Mayan geography including the jaguar, the
caiman (a fierce crocodile), the bull shark, and many species of poisonous snakes. Many varieties of monkeys
also occupied the upper canopy of trees.
The lowlands of Mayan geography primarily produced crops, which were used for their own personal
consumption, the principle being maize (type of corn). They also grew squash, beans, chili peppers, cacao (for
chocolate), cotton for light cloth, and sisal for heavy cloth and rope. The volcanic highlands, however, were the
source of obsidian, jade, and other precious metals that the Mayans used to develop a lively trade.
The rainfall was as high as 160 inches per year in the Lowlands and the water that collected drained towards
the sea in great river systems. These rivers were vital to the civilization as the form of transportation for both
people and materials.
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Aztec Geography
The Aztec Empire was one of the most powerful Central American kingdoms of all time. In 1500 c.e. the realm
stretched for more than 80,000 square miles through many parts of what is now central and southern Mexico.
This enormous empire reached from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf coast and from central Mexico to the
present-day Republic of Guatemala. The Valley of Mexico, which became the heartland of the Aztec
civilization, is a large basin, which is surrounded by volcanic mountains, some of which reach more than 3,000
meters in elevation.
In 1325 c.e. the Aztecs settled on a marshy island near the western tip of Lake Texacoco. Tenochtitlan was
founded in this small island on Lake Texacoco. Gradually this island was extended into the lake. This was
done by building artificial islands or " floating gardens". These were very fertile and the city prospered.
Building on an island had many advantages for the Aztecs. For example, invading enemies could not march
over water. They could only approach from three bridges connecting the island to the mainland.
Incan Geography
The Incan Empire was located on the western side of South America. Although the Empire was huge, it
can be easily divided into three geographical regions - mountains, jungle, and desert. Running north to
south were the Andes Mountains - home of the Inca civilization. The mountains dominated Incan
society. The mountain peaks were worshiped as gods. The Andes Mountains created a natural barrier
between the coastal desert on one side and the jungle on the other. The snow-capped mountains were
full of deep gorges (deep valleys). The Inca built bridges across the gorges so they could reach all parts
of their empire quickly and easily. These mountain gorges were natural barriers. If an enemy
approached, the Incas could simply burn the bridges.
On one side of the Andes was the Amazon jungle. Between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean is a
coastal desert 2000 miles long and between 30-100 miles wide. The desert provided a wonderful
natural barrier. Some scientists think it is the driest place in the world. It is not completely dry however.
There are fertile strips where small rivers and streams run from the Andes mountaintops to the sea.
Read / Draw / Write
Directions: Read and annotate each section. Then draw the main idea. Finally, write a caption that
sums up the main idea.
Mayan Geography: Draw the Main Idea
Caption -
Aztec Geography: Draw the Main Idea
Caption -
Incan Geography: Draw the Main Idea
Caption -