Government and Military
What was the title of the Aztec ruler?
Emperor (Huey Tlatoani)
What kind of buildings did both civilizations build for their gods?
Pyramids and temples
What was the capital city of the Aztec Empire?
Tenochtitlán
What crop was most important to both civilizations?
Maize (corn)
Who were at the top of both Maya and Aztec societies?
Nobles and rulers
What kind of government did the Maya have?
Independent city-states ruled by kings
Which Aztec god required human sacrifice to keep the sun rising?
Huitzilopochtli
Name one major Maya city.
Tikal, Palenque, or Chichén Itzá
What were chinampas used for?
Farming on shallow lake beds (floating gardens)
What group made up most of the population?
Farmers and commoners
What was the main goal of Aztec warfare?
To capture prisoners for tribute and sacrifice
What ball game did both civilizations play?
Pok-a-tok (Maya) or Ullamaliztli (Aztec)
What feature made Tenochtitlán unique?
It was built on an island with canals and causeways. They had chinampas to help their food production.
What did the Maya trade with other regions?
Jade, obsidian, cacao, and textiles
How could an Aztec warrior move up in class?
By showing bravery and capturing enemies
What did both rulers claim gave them power?
The gods or divine right
What role did priests play in both civilizations?
Performed rituals, predicted the future, advised rulers
How did both civilizations show urban planning?
Organized streets, plazas, temples, and water systems
What mathematical concept did the Maya invent?
The number zero
Who were allowed to read and write in Maya society?
Priests and nobles
How did the Aztec emperor control conquered peoples?
By demanding tribute and loyalty through local rulers
How did religion shape the daily lives of the Maya and Aztec people?
It influenced farming, warfare, art, and government decisions
How did geography affect Aztec city building?
They adapted with chinampas and causeways in swampy terrain
How did trade and tribute make the Aztec economy strong?
Conquered peoples supplied goods, while trade spread wealth
How did social class affect daily life?
It determined jobs, housing, clothing, and education