Indigenous People of Central and South America
What is a primary source?
firsthand accounts of historical events
Where did the Inca live?
The Inca lived in what is now the country of Peru, as well as in other areas along the western coast of South America.
What are did the Maya occupy?
The Maya occupied what is now southern Mexico, Honduras, and northern Guatemala
Where did the Aztec live?
The Aztec lived to the north of the Maya empire.
“Their bodies were completely covered so only their faces were seen . . . their skin is white as if made of lime." Who and what is meant by this quote?
Cortes's men, wearing armors
Give examples of primary sources?
letters, diary entries, newspaper articles, and physical artifacts
Mention some of the Inca's skills?
roads, walls, irrigation, masonry, metalwork, and weaving
Mention some of the Maya contributions?
The Maya developed the most sophisticated system of written language anywhere in precolonial America. The Maya constructed impressive pyramids. They developed complex mathematical concepts. The Maya used these concepts to create an astronomically accurate calendar. They were also one of a small number of early societies to invent and use the number zero
What was their capital city called ?
Their grand capital city was called Tenochtitlán
What is the meaning of pestilent?
infectious or sickly
What are artifacts?
remains of objects used a long time ago
Who was the conquistador who came to the Inca empire?
Francesco Pizzaro
Mention the reasons behind the Maya empire's decline?
. Some historians believe that environmental changes may have been to blame. An extended drought deprived this agriculturally based society of much needed rainwater to grow its crops. Other historians believe that constant warfare among rival city-states within the empire weakened its government from within and led to its collapse. Still other historians believe that overpopulation and a fragile environment that could not grow enough food to feed everyone was the cause of the decline. It’s possible it was a combination of all three factors.
What is a unique religious ritual that the Aztec practiced?
One of the most notable features of Aztec culture was its use of human sacrifice in religious rituals.
Why did indigenous people die from smallpox?
indigenous people lacked immunity or resistance to them.
What Caribbean island did Christopher Colombus land on and what year?
Christopher Columbus arrived on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola in October 1492
Who was the last Inca emperor?
Atahuallpa
Maya empire was lost in--------
thick vegetation of the Central American rainforest
Who was the conquistador who arrived on the Aztec land?
Hernan Cortés and his men
By what percent did the Aztec population decline due to smallpox?
The Aztec population decreased by forty percent from smallpox deaths alone
What tribe populated the Caribbean basin?
Arawak tribe
Explain the story of how Atahuallpa was killed ?
Pizzaro lured the last of the Inca emperors, Atahualpa, with an invitation to dinner. When Atahualpa arrived, he received no fine meal. Instead, Pizzaro’s men captured
True or false: The Maya were not religious people
False, they practiced religious rituals
“A thing like a ball of stone comes out of its entrails, it comes out shooting sparks and raining fire. What is this describing /
A cannon
What advantage did Cortes have over the Aztecs?
Advanced weapons