Aztecs are Indians known for their control over south and central Mexico, ruling primarily between the 14^th and 16^th centuries.  The name “Aztec” comes from their homeland of the north called Azatlan.  Amongst the Indians, they call themselves Mexica.  In addition, the language spoken by the Aztecs comes from the Nauatlan branch of the Uto-Aztecan family. 

This particular tribe of Indians created the Toltec civilization, which was the result of hundreds of people coming to Lake Texcoco.  The families that migrated to this area later were left to choose only swamp land, leaving the prime land to those who arrived first.  For the late comers, the swamp provided just a single plot of land, completely enveloped by marshes.  Although it seemed impossible, the Aztecs took their difficult situation, turning it into what we know as the Aztec Empire. 

History shows us that the Aztec Empire was created partially on legend, which states that from the swampy area, an eagle could be seen eating a snake while perched high upon a cactus growing out of the swamps.  This legend also states that the priests claimed when they came to this new land, this was the first thing they saw.  Click here to read more.

Much like the Mayan civilization, the Inca Indians were way before their time, considered an advanced civilization with multiple accomplishments.  Migrating from the Andes in 1200 AD, the Incas began taking control over many of the other tribes in the area.  As a new tribe was conquered, the Incas were able to learn more and more while forcing their own belief and religion onto the people.  For the next 100 years, this tribe had grown so massive that the people covered areas from the northern parts of Ecuador all the way to Chili, making them a powerful civilization. 

The Inca language is called Quechua and the empire Tawantinsuyu, translating to “land of four quarter.”  This empire and all its land were divided, meeting at the capital called Cuzco, Peru. Interestingly, if you were to travel to the central highlands of the Andes today, you would still be able to enjoy and marvel at many of the empire ruins. 

By the year 1532, the Inca Indians had accumulated vast land that stretched from the Pacific coast, heading across the Andes to the Atlantic coast, and then from the central portion of Chili all the way to Ecuador.  Because of their incredibly organized government that was based in the capital city, the Incas were able to achieve and conquer.  The capital city was the home to the emperor, regarded simply as “The Inca”.  This emperor ruled over every aspect of the Inca civilization, being the leader to noblemen, who were responsible for the success of this civilization with their unmatched skills. Click here to read more.

The Olmec civilization of Mexico was in existence from 1200 BC to 600 AD.  These ancient people lived in the lowlands where they were often referred to as “Mother Nature” although they called themselves, “Xi” (Shi).  One of the distinguishing factors of this civilization is that they had very large heads, which on most appeared as being deformed.  This understanding came from years of archeological study to include drawings, statues, and other artifacts.

Living in the Tuxtlas mountains, today more than 170 monuments created by the Olmec have been discovered in the area with 80% of those being from the three largest Olmec areas to include La Venta, Tabasco, San Lorenzo Tenochititlan, Veracruz, and Laguna de Los Cerros, Veracruz, 38%, 30%, and 12% respectively.  For the three regions where the Olmec lived, each had specific natural resources to help with their economy. Click here to read more.

Prior to the Europeans arriving in Brazil in 1500, this was a country with a population of between eight and thirteen million people, consisting of approximately 1,000 tribes.  However, Brazil was faced with 500 years of violence, depression, and disease, which wiped out most of the aboriginal population.  Today about 350,000 Brazilian Indians will exist, which are spread out over 200 tribes.

These tribes of the Brazilian Amazon can be found throughout the country.  There are more than 100 different tribal languages spoken, depending on the region.  In addition, these tribes vary dramatically in size, as you will discover.  For example, the Yanomami and Guarani tribes have members ranging in the tens of thousands while there are tribes such as the Kanoe and Akuntsu, which consist of 30 members or less. Click here to read more.