Early American Civilizations 1
Why are the Maya, Aztec, and Inca all called PRE-COLUMBIAN civilizations?
They all developed BEFORE Christopher COLUMBUS' first voyage to the Americas in 1492.
Glyphs and codices are proof that the Maya had WHAT?
A writing system
The Aztec created an empire in Mexico at the same time as what?
The Inca built an empire in South America
True or False - Both the Maya and Aztec lived in what is now known as Central America
TRUE
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
What is the capital city and center of the Aztec civilization?
Tenochtitlan
Both Aztec & Inca civilizations used tribute systems in which their citizens were forced to do WHAT?
Pay a goods tax
How did the INCA adapt to their environment?
They created step terraces and built aqueducts
What was the name of the game that the Maya played with a ball and hoops
POK-A-TOK
The Maya, Aztec, and Inca had WHAT in common?
What was the capital city of the Inca civilization?
Cuzco
All 3 of the early American civilizations that we discussed did WHAT?
What did the Aztec do to EXPAND their empire?
Constantly waged war against other city states
Why was Mach Picchu often called the "city in the clouds" ?
It was up high on a mountain ridge in the Andes
Mesoamerica was home to WHICH of the civilizations that we discussed?
Maya & Aztec
Something that is holy or deserving respect is called what?
SACRED
Name 3 characteristics of a civilization
Development of farming and cities, a writing system, government and laws, art and architecture, religion and beliefs
Things that are produced, living, or existing NATURALLY in a particular area are ___________ to that place
Indigenous
What types of things showed that a person was of a HIGH SOCIAL CLASS?
Feathers, gemstones, jade, any fancy clothes made of cotton, fur, gold
A sudden widespread illness is called a WHAT?
EPIDEMIC
The end of the early Maya civilization was caused by what?
The Maya adapted to their environment by doing what 2 things?
Using the slash and burn techniques & creating step terraces
True or False- The Inca lived in what is now called South America
TRUE
What was the name of the bird that had very valuable feathers to the Maya people?
Quetzal bird