 | Term | Definition |
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Olmec |
built the first civilization in the Americas around 1200 B.C. |
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jade |
This stone was used by the Olmecs to carve smaller and more personal objects. It is a local shiny stone that comes in many shades of green as well as other colors. |
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maize |
The Olmecs were the first to grow this plant, also known as corn. |
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Maya |
This group of people lived in the rain forests of the Yucatan Peninsula and surrounding areas from about A.D. 250 to 900. |
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hieroglyphics |
The Maya developed this form of writing that uses signs and symbols. |
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murals |
wall paintings |
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Aztec |
Around A.D. 1200, these people called the Mexica moved into central Mexico from the north. The Spanish later called them by this name. |
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Tenochtitlan |
The Aztec capital that is now Mexico City |
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Spain |
In 1519, this country's army led by Cortes landed on Mexico's Gulf Coast. This country made Mexico one of its colonies. |
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haciendas |
large ranches where Spanish settlers raised cattle |
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Hidalgo |
This Spanish priest led the rebellion against Spain and was executed for it. The rebellion was ultimately successful and Mexico won its independence in 1821. |
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Zapata |
This rebel commander led the 1910 revolution in Mexico. He wanted to give the poor the land, woods, and water that the landlords or bosses had taken. |
