Show:
8 Elements of Civilizations
Aztec
Maya
Misc. 1
Misc. 2
100

Complex Societies have cities. Cities are places for culture, political, and economic activities. Having a lot of people in one place means people can share resources more easily. 

Urbanization

100
This is where the Aztec lived.
What is Mexico
100
This is where the Maya lived.
What is Yukatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras
100
Each of the three cultures worshipped many of these
What is gods?
100
These two cultures lived in the same area, but never met each other.
Who were Maya and Aztec
200

A special system of writing to keep track of dates, stories, and records. Writing makes it easy to communicate in the complex society. 

Writing and Record Keeping

200
This is the time period in which the Aztec lived.
What is from 1200-1519AD?
200
This is the time period in which the Maya lived.
What is from 250-900AD?
200
This empire existed in modern day Mexico. They built canals, used pointed sticks to plant seeds, and hunted wild animals for food. They lived from around 1200-1500AD.
Who were the Aztec?
200
This culture lived in what is now Mexico, Belize, and a few other countries. They invented a ballgame perhaps similar to our game of basketball. They lived around 1000BC to 900AD.
Who were the Maya?
300

A system of religious beliefs and practices that unify people and guide their values.

Organized Religion and Ideology

300
The Aztec thought this man was one of their gods when he arrived. He eventually took over the Aztec empire.
Who is Hernan Cortez?
300
This is the number system used by the Maya.
What is base 20?
300
The staple crop of these cultures. Please also explain why it was important.
What is maize? It was their go-to crop. They were able to grow it easily and use it in many ways.
300
This is a formal name for a Spanish conqueror. They were cruel and harsh with the native people.
What is conquistador?
400

A diverse economy with specialized jobs and trade between different regions.

Economic Complexity

400
This is how the Aztec empire fell.
What is the arrival of Hernan Cortez, taking over Tenochtitlan, and eventually murdered Montezuma II. The Spanish also spread disease.
400
This is how the Maya empire ended.
What is the Maya disappeared. Their record-keeping stopped, they abandoned their cities. Possible that Spanish influence with disease - not known.
400

Which of the 8 elements does this one fit into for the Maya?

Farmers grew maize, beans, squash, and cacao, while artisans produced pottery, textiles, and jade objects. The Maya also engaged in long-distance trade, exchanging goods like obsidian, salt, and feathers with neighboring regions.

Economic Complexity
400

Which of the 8 elements does this fit into?

The Aztec military was highly organized and used to conquer neighboring city-states. The warriors were trained from a young age, and success in battle could lead to higher social status. The military was key in expanding the empire and capturing prisoners for tribute and sacrifices.

Military Organization

500

A strong, centralized leadership or governing body that makes decisions and maintains order.

Centralized Political Authority

500
Name three contributions of the Aztec culture.
What are calendar, patolli, canals, chocolate as currency, stone statues, weavers, codices (place to record history)
500

What items did the Maya grow or source in order to trade with others? (Hint, there are FOUR)

Cacao, Obsidian, Jade, Cotton

500

Which of the 8 elements does this fit into?

Tenochtitlan, the capital city, was one of the largest cities of its time, with a population of hundreds of thousands. It was built on an island in Lake Texcoco, with canals, temples, markets, and palaces that made it a major center for politics, religion, and commerce.

Urbanization

500

Which of the 8 elements does this fit into?

The Maya civilization had a clear social hierarchy with distinct classes. At the top were the ajaw (kings) and nobles, who controlled land and resources. Below them were the artisans, traders, and farmers. At the bottom were slaves, who were often prisoners of war or debtors.

Social Hierarchy