AMSCO WH 1.4

Mississippian culture

Maize-based chiefdoms in eastern US (c. 700–1450) that built large mounds and had class hierarchies

Cahokia

Largest Mississippian city, known for earthen mounds and stratified society

Matrilineal society

Social system where descent/inheritance passed through mother’s line

Maya city-states

Independent kingdoms in Central America known for astronomy, math, writing, and zero

Aztecs (Mexica)

Founded Tenochtitlan, formed Triple Alliance, ruled by tribute, practiced human sacrifice

Triple Alliance

Military-political alliance of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan

Calpulli

Aztec kin-based communities organizing land and labor

Chinampas

Floating gardens used by Aztecs to increase agricultural output

Flower Wars

Ritual wars to obtain captives for sacrifice

Inca Empire

Andean civilization centered in Cusco; used mit’a labor system

Pachacuti

Inca ruler who expanded the empire and reorganized government

Mit’a system

Labor tax where subjects provided work for the state

Qhapaq Ñan

Inca road system used for communication and control

Ayllu

Kin-based communities coordinating Inca labor and resources

Quipu

Knotted string system used by the Incas for record-keepin