The Mayan, Inca and Aztec civilizations each originated in Latin America. Some Mayans lived in southern Mexico, in the present-day states of Chipas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yacatan and Quintana Roo. Other Mayans lived in Central America in the countries of Belize, Guatemala and ancient Honduras. The Incas lived in an empire they called Tawantinsuyu. Tawantinsuya means four parts. The Incas lived today in Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. The four parts were a long coastal strip, the high peaks and deep fertile valleys of the Andes, and the mountainous edges of the rainforest to the east. The Aztecs originated from Aztlan, in the north or northwest of Mexico. Each Mayan city governed its surrounding areas, and some large cities each controlled one or more smaller cities. A Mayan city ruler would be replaced by his younger brother or son. This led to generations of a single family ruling for hundreds of years. Inca rulers maintained their power by providing entertainment and luxury goods as gifts to the people. Citizens paid taxes in exchange for these gifts. In Inca culture, the emperor married his sister and his generals would be his relatives. Inca rulers were allowed to rule independently. Aztec power was maintained by land ownership. A few families shared a plot of land and part of the land was given to the state as tax. Entire Mayan families ...