The great pre-colonial civilizations of Latin American were noted for their architectural achievements, from magnificent temples to vast cities. The Maya, Aztecs, and Inca also created many fine works of art out of stone, precious metals, and clay. Although many such works were destroyed by Spanish conquistadors following European colonization, remaining artifacts reveal the sophistication and advancement of these early societies.

You will be assigned topics that reflect the design and construction of art and architecture in three early Latin American civilizations. Use what you have learned to create a poster depicting the unique characteristics of the art or architecture of the Maya, Aztec, or Inca civilizations. To prepare for creating your poster, you will research the distinctive features and notable examples of your assigned topic.

Look at the photograph below. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

Maya temple, located in what is presently Chichen Itza, Mexico.

• What skills must the Maya have possessed in order to build this temple?
• What does the height and magnitude of this temple tell you about the religious culture of the Maya?

Use the Daily Life through History articles listed on the right to research the art and architecture of the Maya, Aztecs, or Inca. As you read, keep your assigned topic in mind. Remember to include illustrations as well as written explanations about your poster’s various features.

Use a 4-Column Table to organize your information. In the first row, write the headings: Element, Aztec, Inca, Maya. In the first column, list: style and form, type of artisan or skill level required, functions, materials, subject matter, and notable examples. As you conduct research, use your graphic organizer to take notes on the civilization you have been assigned. Decide how you will depict the art or architecture on your poster.

Create your poster. Be sure to point out the distinctive features of the civilization’s structures or works of art. After presenting your poster to the class, use your graphic organizer to take notes on other students’ posters so that you can compare and contrast the works of the three civilizations.

Your teacher will use these questions to assess your performance:

• Did you present ample details and factual evidence on your poster?
• Did your poster accurately represent the civilization’s distinctive features and notable achievements?
• Did your poster contain both visual and written elements?
• Did you fill in your graphic organizer with information from other posters?