Aztec
Where was the Aztec civilization located?
Mesoamerica/ in present day Mexico
Where was the Maya civilization located?
Yucatan Peninsula
Where was the Inca civilization located?
Andes Mountains
Why are the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations called pre-Columbian?
They developed before Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the Americas in 1492.
What kind of myths did the Maya, Aztec, and Inca pass down to explain the beginning of the world and humankind?
They passed down creation myths about how the Earth and people were created.
What was the capital city of the Aztec Empire?
Tenochtitlan
What were glyphs and codices, and what do they show about the Maya?
Glyphs were picture symbols and codices were folded books — they show the Maya had a writing system.
What was the capital city of the Inca Empire?
Cuzco
What word means “holy” or “deserving respect”?
Sacred
Which two civilizations lived in the region called Mesoamerica?
Maya and Aztec lived in Mesoamerica.
How did the Aztec expand their empire?
Constantly waging war against other city-states.
What kind of system did the Maya develop to help them count and keep records?
The Maya developed a number system.
How did the Inca adapt to living in the Andes Mountains? Give at least two examples.
They built step terraces for farming and constructed aqueducts and roads through the Andes Mountains.
What word describes people, plants, or animals that are native to a particular place?
Indigenous
What are some key characteristics of a civilization? List at least three.
Farming and cities
Government and laws
Writing system
Art and architecture
Religion and beliefs
Technology
According to Aztec myth, how did the Aztec know where to build their city?
They were told by a god that they would find their home when they saw an eagle sitting on a cactus holding a snake.
What are some possible reasons the Maya civilization came to an end?
Historians aren’t sure — it was probably a combination of factors such as drought, war, and overuse of resources.
What structures did the Inca build to connect their empire across mountains and valleys?
They built roads and bridges to connect their empire.
What is a sudden, widespread illness called?
Epidemic
What was the tribute system, and which civilizations used it?
A tribute system required citizens to give goods, crops, or gifts to rulers or gods; both the Aztec and Inca used it.
How did the Aztec adapt to their environment? Give at least two examples.
They adapted by building chinampas (floating gardens) and constructing aqueducts to bring fresh water.
How did the Maya adapt to their environment? Give at least two examples.
They adapted by using slash-and-burn farming and building step terraces.
Which Spanish explorer conquered the Inca Empire?
Francisco Pizarro
What did the Maya, Aztec, and Inca have in common in terms of religion and beliefs?
Many Gods and religious ceremonies
Which Spanish explorer conquered the Aztec Empire?
Hernán Cortés