The History of the Mayans

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the History of Mexico, particularly focusing on pre-Columbian civilizations such as the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas.

Civilizaciones precolombinas

Civilizations that existed in the Americas before the arrival of Columbus, such as the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas.

Los Mayas

An advanced civilization in Mesoamerica known for their developments in writing, agriculture, astronomy, and architecture.

Jeroglíficos

A system of writing that uses symbols and images, commonly used by the Mayans, typically found on stone.

Agricultura Maya

The practice of farming by the Mayans, including the cultivation of maize, beans, and squash, and the use of irrigation.

Calendario Maya

An advanced calendar system created by the Mayans that consists of 365 days.

Politeístas

Belief in many gods; characteristic of Mayan religion.

Kukulcán

The supreme god of the Mayans, represented as a deity that combines a serpent and a bird.

El Castillo

The temple dedicated to Kukulcán located in Chichén Itzá, recognized by its stepped pyramid structure.

Tulum

A coastal Mayan city located in the state of Quintana Roo, known for being one of the last cities built by the Mayans.

Uxmal

One of the best-preserved Mayan cities, famous for its Pyramid of the Magician.

Tikal

A major Mayan ruin located in Guatemala, recognized for having an extensive reservoir system.

Poktapok

An ancient ball game played by the Mayans, similar to soccer, where players used their bodies to send a ball through a hoop.

Arquitectura Maya

Refers to the advanced construction techniques of the Mayans, including pyramids, temples, and irrigation systems.

Civilización significante

A major civilization within a historical context, such as the Mayan civilization during 1200 B.C. to 400 B.C.

Observatorio El Caracol

An astronomical observatory built by the Mayans in Chichén Itzá.

Chichén Itzá

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, an important archaeological site of the Mayan civilization.

Templo de los Guerreros

A temple located in Chichén Itzá, dedicated to warriors of the Mayan civilization.

Sacrificios

Rituals performed by the Mayans that often included offerings to the gods, which could include flowers, food, and sometimes human sacrifices.

Pirámides Mayas

Large step pyramids built by the Mayans for religious and ceremonial purposes.

Mesoamérica

A historical region and cultural area in North America that extends from central Mexico to Honduras.

Reservorios de agua

Storage systems for water used in Mayan agriculture, crucial for irrigation.

Civilización Inca

A prominent civilization in South America, contemporary with the Mayans and known for its vast empire.

Civilización Azteca

A major civilization in central Mexico best known for its rich mythology and cultural developments.

Human Sacrifices

Rituals involving the offering of human lives to the gods, a practice observed in various ancient civilizations including the Mayans.

El caracol de Chichén Itzá

A specific architectural feature used as an astronomical observatory by the Mayans.

Sistema de irrigación

Advanced irrigation systems developed by the Mayans for their agricultural practices.

Gran Juego de Pelota

A significant Mesoamerican ballgame that was part of religious and cultural ceremonies.

Conquista de los Mayas

The period of decline for the Mayan civilization, marked by various factors including European colonization.

Sociedad avanzada

A term used to describe societies with significant achievements in writing, agriculture, astronomy, and architecture.

México precolombino

The history and cultures that existed in what is now Mexico before European contact.

Cultura Mexica

Another name for the Aztec civilization characterized by its unique art, architecture, and agricultural practices.