Geography
Where did the Maya build their civilization?
The Yucatan Peninsula in Mesoamerica
How was the Maya civilization organized?
Into independent city-states
According to a myth passed down by the Aztec, one of their gods told them that they would know that they had found the perfect place to settle when they saw what?
An eagle sitting on a cactus, holding a snake
Who was the Sapa Inca?
He was the emperor
Why were the Spanish able to quickly conquer the Inca and Aztec empires?
They had better weapons, spread deadly diseases to the native peoples, and, in some cases, had the support of other native peoples
What was the name of the Aztec capital?
Tenochtitlan
List some of the Maya inventions.
Writing system, accurate calendar, and system of numbers
What was the Aztec tribute system?
The Aztecs required conquered city-states to pay them in goods including feathers, precious gems, and even tortillas! They also required these states to provide warriors for Flower Wars.
What was each family unit required to provide the government?
Each family unit had to provide crops for the emperor, the priests, and the gods
Who were the emperors taken hostage by the Spanish?
What is the name of the mountain range in South America?
The Andes Mountains
Define hieroglyph
A picture or symbol representing an idea, object, syllable, or sound
What did the Aztecs do to expand their Empire?
They constantly waged war with neighboring city-states.
How were messages carried from place to place?
What did the Spanish conquistadors come in search of?
They were searching for gold and other riches
What was the center of the Inca Empire?
Cuzco
What did the pok-a-tok represent?
In some places, the game was meant to represent the movement that the sun makes across the sky everyday
Define immunity
A body's ability to remain free of illness even after being exposed to the cause of the illness
What role did llamas play in the culture of the Inca?
They served as pack animals, provided wool for clothing, and dung for fertilizer. They were often sacrificed to the gods. Finally, they were seen as symbols of wealth.
Define expedition
A special journey taken by a group that has a clear purpose or goal
How did the Aztecs and Inca adapt to their environment?
The Aztecs built causeways and chinampas (floating gardens), while the Inca used terrace farming and constructed roads following the ground's natural terrain.
Why did the Maya offer sacrifice?
They believed the gods controlled everything, and that offering sacrifices would encourage the gods to grant them victory in battle, rain for crops, healing from disease, etc.
Who led the Spanish invasion of the Aztec Empire?
Hernan Cortes led the invasion
How did the Aztecs initially greet the Spanish?
They were friendly and curious