HI3110 Latin American Culture

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to Latin American culture, as discussed in the lecture.

Mesoamerica

Region inhabited by ancient civilizations including the Maya and Aztecs, known for its continuous population since 1000 BC.

Nahuatl

Language spoken by the Nahua people, including the Mexica, and commonly used in the historical context of the Aztec civilization.

Mexica

People who founded Tenochtitlan; they refer to themselves as Mexica, pronounced Meshica.

Tenochtitlan

Capital of the Mexica, one of the most powerful cities in the early 16th century.

Teotihuacan

Ancient Mesoamerican city known for its massive pyramids and influence on later cultures.

Tlaxcaltecatl

People who were part of the Tlaxcallans, a republic-like political entity that lacked kings.

Maya

A diverse group of indigenous peoples in the Yucatan peninsula and Guatemala, known for their city-states.

Dynasty

A succession of rulers from the same family or lineage, particularly relevant in relation to the Maya civilization.

Collapse

Refers to the decline of major Maya cities, marked by a transition from one-person dynasties to noble councils.

'Myths of the Conquest'

Concept referring to the myths constructed around the Spanish Conquest, often created by conquistadors and later historians.

Inca

The empire and its peoples that dominated the Andes region; 'Inka' means ruler in Quechua.

Quipu

A record-keeping system used by the Incas, consisting of colored strings and knots.

Tributary Empire

An empire that controls various lands through tribute systems rather than direct governance, characteristic of the Inca.

Caral

The oldest known city in the Americas, recognized for its early agricultural innovations and urban development.

Wari Empire

An ancient civilization in the Andes that influenced later cultures, existing from about 600-1000 CE.