Vocab
Define Mesoamerica:
The region extending from modern-day Mexico through Central America.
Who held the most power in Maya society?
The Ruler had most power in Maya society.
What was the capital city of the Aztec Empire?
The capital city of the Aztec Empire was Tenochtitlan.
What was the capital of the Inca Empire?
The capital of the Inca Empire was Cuzco.
Define Ayllu:
A clan or group with many relatives.
Define Social Pyramid:
A structure that represents different ranks or status of people in a society.
What role did priests play in Maya civilization?
Priests led rituals, offered sacrifices, and foretold the future.
What did the Aztecs believe human sacrifice provided for their gods?
The Aztecs believed human sacrifices provides nourishment for the gods.
Where was the Inca Empire located? (BOTH continent and countries)
Inca Empire was located in South America. Consists of present day Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia.
Who were the main European explorers who encountered Mesoamerican civilizations?
The Spanish
Define Aztecs:
Mesoamerican People who built a vast empire in central Mexico that flourished from 1428 to 1519 C.E.
What was the Maya writing system called?
The Maya writing system was called Hieroglyphics.
Who were the Aztecs before they became a powerful empire?
A clan of hunters-gatherers.
What language did the Inca speak?
The Inca spoke Quechua.
What disease had the greatest impact on Indigenous populations?
Smallpox
Define Tenochtitlan:
A city built on an island in Lake Texcoco that became the center of the Aztec Empire.
What were the Maya most known for achieving in math and science? (TWO Answers)
The Maya were most known for recognizing the concept of zero as a required number. They were also known for creating the solar year to learn how many days are in a year (365 Days).
How did the Aztec Empire gain strength? (FOUR Answers)
The Aztec gained strength through building many alliances with other indigenous groups, gaining more land, building wealth, and creating more trading connections.
Who was the main god of the Inca, and what did he represent?
The main god for the Inca was Inti and he is suppose to represent their version of the Sun God.
Why was the Maya calendar important to their society?
The Calendar was important to their society because it helped with farming and knowing which seasons was coming up to prepare for harvest.
Define Inca:
A society in the Andes Mountains of South America that arose in the 1400s to the 1532.
How was Maya society organized? (Social Pyramid)
Top - The Ruler, 2nd - Nobles and Priests, 3rd - Merchants and Artisans, 4th - Peasants, Bottom - Slaves.
How was Aztec society structured?
Top - The Ruler, 2nd - Government Officials, Priests, & Military Leaders, 3rd - Commoners, 4th - Peasants, Bottom - Slaves.
How did the Inca expand their empire?
The Inca Empire would expand their empire every dozen miles specifically around the city of Cuzco.
What was an ayllu, and why was it important in Inca society?
An ayllu is an Incan clan that consist of many family relatives and is important because it had roles in Inca society that it must have completed from men, women, and children they all roles to complete.