 | Term | Definition |
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Mesoamerica |
Located in present day Mexico and Central America, first Native American civilizations did not emerge in river valleys. |
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Olmecs |
(1400 B.C.E. to 500 B.C.E.) earliest known Mexican civilization,lived in rainforests along the Gulf of Mexico, developed calendar and constructed public buildings and temples, carried on trade with other groups. |
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Maya |
(1500B.C.E. to 1546 A.D.) developed in rainforests of present-day Guatemala. Later migrated northward to the Yucatan Peninsula in present-day Mexico. Famous city at Chichen Itza (built stone pyramids that served as tombs, some were as tall as some modern skyscrapers). Constant warfare led to the collapse of this civilization. Major achievements: builders, math and science, writing system, artistry. |
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Aztecs |
(1200-1521) 1300, they settled in the valley of Mexico. Grew corn. Engaged in frequent warfare to conquer others of the region. Worshipped many gods (polytheistic). Believed the sun god needed human blood to continue his journeys across the sky. Practiced human sacrifices and those sacrificed were captured warriors from other tribes and those who volunteered for the honor. |
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Aztec Hierarchy(social organization) |
Top:Ruler, Second:Nobles, Third:Farmers, Fishermen, Craftsmen, and Warriors, Fourth:Slaves |
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Incas |
(1200-1535) Developed along Pacific Coast and in the Andes Mountains of South America. Eventually their empire covered Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. Built stone roads. Never developed a form of writing. Instead they used *QUIPU. Grew potatoe crops, for meat and wool, and to carry goods, they kept llamas and alpacas. **Famous ruins of Machu Picchu. |
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Quipu |
Bundles of knotted and colored ropes used to count, keep records, track crops, and send messages. |
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Machu Picchu |
Famous fortress city high in the Andes Mountains (provides us with great examples of Inca building skills). The ruins of the city were rediscovered in 1911 |
