Page 108 - Key to Social Studies 3

Early Civilizations of the Americas

Mexico and South America developed early civilizations that are considered empires. An

empire is a group of states or countries ruled by an emperor or empress.

1. Inca Civilization:

The Inca civilization started in South America

along the Paci c Ocean in the country of

Peru. The Inca civilization was an empire.

The Inca people built terraces on hills for

farming. A terrace is a raised piece of land

with a leveled top. This shows how the Inca

people were very good farmers. They were

also excellent artists. Their work is displayed

in museums throughout the world.

Ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, Peru

2. Aztec Empire:

The Aztec empire was located in central

and southern Mexico. The Aztecs created

a written language to tell their stories and

share their knowledge of science and

poetry.

The Aztecs built irrigation systems for

farming. This allowed them to water crops

so that they could grow even during very

hot weather.

106 Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, Mexico