The Maya
The Maya were the only Mesoamerican civilization to develop this?
Writing system/glyphs
Which country conquered the Aztec?
Spain
What is the term for the farming method in which trees and other plants are cut down and burned so the ash can fertilize the soil?
Slash and burn agriculture
How did the Aztec gain victims for human sacrifices?
They waged many wars
Tenochtitlan is what major city today?
Mexico City
Why were temples built on top of pyramids?
to be closer to the gods
Why did some groups help Hernán Cortés defeat the Aztecs?
They were mad/angry at Aztec rule
What is an example of a Maya city?
Tikal, Palenque, Copan, etc.
Why did Montezuma welcome Cortes into Tenochtitlan
He believed he was a god
What civilization was the model for future Mesoamerican civilizations?
The Olmec
What is one of the most important crops for the Maya?
Manioc or Corn (beans and squash also important)
What is the name for the elite class of Aztec warriors?
Jaguar Warriors
What did the Maya do to increase their power and land?
They fought wars
What did the Aztecs create to farm in the city of Tenochtitlan?
chinampas
The Maya were one of the first civilizations to develop this mathematical concept, represented by a shell symbol, which allowed for complex calculations.
What is the name for the oldest surviving Mayan book?
The Dresden Codex
What did the Aztec rely on to pass down their history and religion.
Oral Tradition
What are two possible reasons for the decline of the Maya?
War, drought, overpopulation, disease
How did the Aztec create their empire?
Unlike many European monarchies, the Aztec Emperor (Huey Tlatoani) was not necessarily the previous ruler's eldest son, but was elected by this group of four high-ranking officials?
the Supreme Council
What is the name for the stone monuments that were carved with the history of the Maya?
Stelae
Tenochtitlan was connected to the mainland by these raised, man-made roads?
Causeways
Who was the high priest in Maya civilization?
the king
What language did the Aztec speak?
Nahuatl
Which cities made up the Triple Alliance?
Tenochtitlan, Tlacopan and Texcoco