Discuss the series of Mesoamerican civilizations that eventually gave rise to the Aztec civilization, and describe the major characteristics of Aztec culture. What are the differences between Mesoamerican cultures and North American cultures? What led to those differences?

The series of Mesoamerican civilizations that eventually gave rise to the Aztec civilization began with the Olmec civilization, which emerged around 1200 BCE. The Olmecs were followed by the Teotihuacan civilization, which reached its peak between 150-450 CE. The collapse of Teotihuacan led to the rise of the Toltec civilization, which in turn influenced the development of the Aztec civilization.

The Aztec civilization, also known as the Mexica, emerged in the 13th century and eventually became the dominant power in Mesoamerica. They established their capital city of Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco, which is now modern-day Mexico City. The major characteristics of Aztec culture included a complex social structure with a ruling class of nobles and priests, a sophisticated agricultural system, a polytheistic religion with a pantheon of gods, and a highly developed calendar and writing system.

The differences between Mesoamerican cultures and North American cultures are significant. Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs, were characterized by large, centralized civilizations with complex social and political structures, monumental architecture, and advanced agricultural practices such as terraced farming and irrigation. In contrast, North American cultures were more decentralized, with smaller, dispersed communities and a greater emphasis on hunting and gathering.

These differences can be attributed to a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, such as the availability of fertile land and water sources, as well as historical developments, such as the influence of earlier civilizations and the interactions between different cultural groups. Additionally, the presence of large domesticable animals in Mesoamerica, such as the llama and alpaca, allowed for the development of more complex agricultural systems and facilitated the rise of centralized civilizations.