Geography of Mesoamerica & The Olmecs
What was the first crop grown in Mesoamerica?
Maize
Who were members of the upper class in Maya society?
Kings, priests, professional warriors, merchants
Who was leader of the Aztecs when the Spanish conquistadors arrived?
Moctezuma II
Who was leader of the Incas when the Spanish arrived?
Atahualpa
What enabled the early Anasazi peoples of the Southwest to grow crops?
Irrigation systems
Why did early people in the Americas move from place to place?
They were searching for food
How might the Mayas have used obsidian?
As a tool for cutting, carving, or scraping items
Who was leader of the Spanish conquistadors who conquered the Aztecs?
Hernan Cortes
Who were members of the Inca upper class?
King, priests, government officials
How did the Plains people use the buffalo?
Provided food, shelter, and clothing for Plains people
What helped to make the soil of Mesoamerica fertile?
Volcanic activity
What resources did the Mayas get from the forest?
Deer and monkeys for food, wood poles, vines, and mud for building materials
How was it decided when the Aztecs should plant crops or hold cermonies?
according to the Aztec calendar
What was impressive about Inca masonry?
it was a perfect fit between huge stone blocks
In what regions of North America did Native Americans rely most heavily on forests and timber?
The Northwest and Northeast
What landform do most scientists think early people crossed to reach America?
a land bridge across the Bering Strait
Why did Maya cities fight each other?
to gain power and land
What is a causeway?
Bridge over wet or swampy gound
When did the Spanish gain full control over the entire Inca empire?
1537
What is a potlatch?
A potlatch is a gift-giving ceremony and feast of the Northwestern Native Americans in which the mutual giving and receiving of gifts contributed tot he social relationships in the tribe
Where is Mesoamerica?
southern part of what is now Mexico and northern part of Central America
Who was an important king of Palenque?
Pacal
What might you find in an Aztec codex?
Aztec history
How were Inca government and religion related?
The king was believed to be a descendant of the sun god, from which he gained power
What is one way the Plains cultures differed from those of the Northwest and the East?
Plains cultures were nomadic and the other two cultures were not