Olmec
Where in Mesoamerica did the Olmec live?
-north coast
-along the Gulf of Mexico
What was the name of an important city in the Maya civilization
-Tikal
-Chichen Itza
What body of water lies along the south coast of Mesoamerica?
-the Pacific Ocean
What material did the Olmec carve their large stone sculptures out of?
Basalt
How is obsidian formed?
fast cooling lava
Why were the Olmec called a "Mother Civilization"
-first great Mesoamerican civilization
What was the folding book used by the Maya called?
Codex
What land feature was between the 2 northern mountain ranges?
Plateau of Mexico
What did the Maya believe the gods made the first Mayans out of?
Mud
Why wouldn't Mr. Landwehr like to go swimming along the north coast of Mesoamerica?
-Sharks
Who were considered the middle class in Olmec society?
Merchants and Craftspeople
What were the Maya people considered excellent at?
Mathematics
What important peninsula lies along the north coast of Mesoamerica?
the Yucatan Peninsula
How do we know family was important in the Maya culture?
-Extended families lived together.
What color paint did the Maya use that didn't lose its brilliance over time?
Maya blue
What do experts believe happened to the Olmec culture?
-Moved east
-possibly the ancestors of the Maya
What does the Maya calendar's 365 days represent?
Earth's orbit around the sun
Name the 2 important mountain ranges in northern Mesoamerica.
-Sierra Madre Occidental
-Sierra Madre Oriental
What is a Theocracy?
A type of government based on the will of the gods
What precious stone was very important to the cultures of Mesoamerica?
-jade
Name the 4 accomplishments of the Olmec
1. stone head sculptures
2. number system
3. calendar
4. form of writing
What was unique about Mayan mathematics?
-first to use zero in calculations
-number system based on 20
What important rock allowed cenotes to form along the Yucatan Peninsula?
-limestone
What game was very important to the Maya?
The ball game
What is a city-state?
Independent Maya cities that have kings.