The Postclassical Period, c. 600 CE to c. 1450: 3.7: Postclassical Americas (Sources 1–10)

Hegemonic empires were more loosely integrated domains ruled through indirect control and a combination of force, persuasion, and intimidation of subject groups. (Source 1)

These regions were inhabited by many different nations, with varying languages, laws, and religions, and the kings had to maintain tranquility and to rule so that all should live in peace and in friendship towards their lord. (Source 3)

Although Cuzco was the head of the Inca empire, at certain points the king would station his delegates and governors, who were the most learned, the ablest, and the bravest men that could be found. (Source 3)

So great was the veneration that the people felt for their princes, throughout this vast region, that every district was as well regulated and governed as if the lord was actually present to chastise those who acted contrary to his rules. (Source 3)

So great was the veneration that the people felt for their princes, throughout this vast region, that every district was as well regulated and governed as if the lord was actually present to chastise those who acted contrary to his rules. (Source 3)

So great was the veneration that the people felt for their princes, throughout this vast region, that every district was as well regulated and governed as if the lord was actually present to chastise those who acted contrary to his rules. (Source 3)

On this subject they uttered many threats against the chiefs and ordered them to provide twenty of their men and women to appease their gods for the wrong they had done. (Source 6)

In addition to speeding the transmission of critical information, the extensive and technically sophisticated road system greatly facilitated the efficient movement of bulk and manufactured goods,…provincial officials, and, of course, Inca armies throughout the empire. (Source 7)

In addition to speeding the transmission of critical information, the extensive and technically sophisticated road system greatly facilitated the efficient movement of bulk and manufactured goods,…provincial officials, and, of course, Inca armies throughout the empire. (Source 7)

In addition to speeding the transmission of critical information, the extensive and technically sophisticated road system greatly facilitated the efficient movement of bulk and manufactured goods,…provincial officials, and, of course, Inca armies throughout the empire. (Source 7)

The highways also functioned as symbolic representations of Inca rule and of the majesty of the individual kings who competed to enlarge and make more magnificent the roads of their predecessors. (Source 7)

The highways also functioned as symbolic representations of Inca rule and of the majesty of the individual kings who competed to enlarge and make more magnificent the roads of their predecessors. (Source 7)

So, their road system, like virtually every other physical artifact of the Inca imperial infrastructure, served multiple purposes, from the most economically instrumental to the deeply political and symbolic. (Source 7)

In a real sense, we can consider the infrastructure itself, imbued with social, political, and religious qualities, as an active agent in the extension and consolidation of Inca power. (Source 7)

In a real sense, we can consider the infrastructure itself, imbued with social, political, and religious qualities, as an active agent in the extension and consolidation of Inca power. (Source 7)

Humans realized they were indebted to the gods for having sacrificed themselves so that life on earth could exist and be renewed, a debt that could best be paid by imitating the gods through sacrifice. (Source 9)

Human labor and the usual offerings of fruit, meats, and ceremonial objects were important to the gods but insufficient to renew their lives. (Source 9)

This resulted in an elaborate system of offerings and sacrifices designed to please, appease, and win the support of the gods with all their powers. (Source 9)

Aztec state religion was not necessarily geared to produce a uniform world-view and a common value system...nor to sanctify the ruler in the eyes of his subjects. (Source 10)

Aztec state religion was not necessarily geared to produce a uniform world-view and a common value system...nor to sanctify the ruler in the eyes of his subjects. (Source 10)

This achievement-based system of social status cut across particularistic loyalties of kinship and ethnicity. (Source 10)

This achievement-based system of social status cut across particularistic loyalties of kinship and ethnicity. (Source 10)

From the beginning, Aztec rulers rewarded both their own warriors and men from other city-states who distinguished themselves in the Aztec cause. (Source 10)

This centralized system of reward and prestige created a cohesive imperial force at the expense of various kinship groups, ethnic groups, and local city-states. (Source 10)

This centralized system of reward and prestige created a cohesive imperial force at the expense of various kinship groups, ethnic groups, and local city-states. (Source 10)