“Where Even Is That?” (Geography)
What region does "Mesoamerica" refer to?
Central Mexico through Central America
Where did the Olmec live?
Near the Gulf of Mexico (Veracruz & Tabasco)
Where did the Zapotec live?
In the Valley of Oaxaca
Name one major Maya city.
Tikal or Copán
What sign told the Mexica where to build their city?
Eagle on a cactus eating a snake
Name two landforms found in Mesoamerica.
Mountains and rainforests (also: valleys, coasts)
What nickname did historians give the Olmec?
The "Mother Culture"
What was Monte Albán?
First major city in the Americas
What crop was the Maya’s main food (and cash)?
Maize (corn) or cacao
What were chinampas?
Floating gardens used for farming
Why was Mesoamerica good for farming?
Warm, wet climate and fertile soil
Name one item the Olmec traded.
Jade, obsidian, or rubber
Name one thing found in Monte Albán.
Temples, plazas, or ball courts
What is a glyph?
A picture symbol used in writing
What was the Templo Mayor used for?
Religious ceremonies and sacrifices
What two bodies of water helped with trade and food?
Gulf of Mexico/America and Pacific Ocean
What giant carvings are the Olmec famous for?
Colossal stone heads
What kind of writing did the Zapotec use?
Glyphs
Name one method Maya farmers used.
Terrace farming or slash-and-burn
Who conquered the Aztecs?
Hernán Cortés
How did geography keep early cultures separated?
Mountains and rainforests acted as natural barriers
Name two ways the Olmec influenced later cultures.
Pyramids and religious ideas
Why was Monte Albán considered advanced? (without including a writing system)
It had planned streets, temples, and defenses
Name two major Maya achievements.
Concept of zero and accurate calendar (Writing System)
Name two reasons the Spanish defeated the Aztecs.
Disease and better weapons (guns, steel, horses)