Olmecs
The Olmecs lived in what is now this modern-day country.
Mexico
Mayan kings often formed alliances or declared war to capture people for this religious purpose.
Human sacrifice
The Aztecs built their capital city, Tenochtitlán, on this type of landform.
An island in a lake (Lake Texcoco)
Unlike the centralized Aztec Empire, the Mayans were organized into these independent political units.
City-states
The Aztec Empire was conquered in 1521 by this Spanish conquistador
Hernan Cortes
The Olmecs are famous for carving these massive stone sculptures
colossal heads
The Mayans developed this writing system, one of the most advanced in the ancient world
glyphs or hieroglyphics
The Aztecs built these raised roads to connect their city to the mainland
Causeways
The Mayans believed that after death, most souls traveled here before reaching their final destination.
The Underworld
The Aztec emperor who ruled when the Spanish arrived
Montezuma
The Olmecs created artwork using this green mineral, which was highly valued in Mesoamerica
Jade
This class of people, including farmers and laborers, made up the majority of the population.
Commoners
The Aztecs used this system of floating gardens to grow crops
Chinampas
This major Mayan city, located in modern-day Guatemala, was one of their largest and most powerful.
Tikal
This deadly disease, brought by the Spanish, killed many Aztecs
Smallpox
What nickname do the Olmec people have due to the fact they discovered this item.
"Rubber People"
These skilled individuals were responsible for keeping historical records, performing rituals, and advising rulers.
Priests
What role did human sacrifice play in Aztec religion
The Aztecs believed they needed to offer human sacrifices to keep the sun rising and please the gods.
The Mayans independently developed the concept of this mathematical number, long before many other civilizations.
What are 2 advantages the Spanish had over the Aztecs?
The Olmecs mysteriously declined, possibly due to this environmental factor.
climate change or natural disasters
Around the 9th century, many southern Mayan cities mysteriously declined due to factors like war, drought, and this issue.
Overpopulation
The Aztecs expanded their empire through military conquest and this system of forced payments from conquered peoples.
tribute
The Mayans created a calendar that predicted this celestial event with great accuracy.
An eclipse
What are two ways the Spanish deceived the Aztecs?
Cortes lied about friendship, they killed Aztecs when they were unnarmed, they killed people during the feast while they were distracted