The Early Americas & Cultures of North America - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Lessons 1 and 2 (The Early Americas and Cultures of North America).

surplus

A production amount greater than immediate needs; enables storage, trade, and the growth of cities.

civilization

A complex society with organized government, religion, job specialization, social classes, and urban centers.

Olmec

Oldest major civilization in the Americas (Mesoamerica); known for colossal stone heads and early calendar systems.

colossal stone heads

Giant carved stone sculptures created by the Olmec, likely representing rulers.

Maya

Mesoamerican civilization organized as city-states; noted for achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and writing; many cities were later abandoned.

Aztec

Mesoamerican empire in central Mexico; built Tenochtitlan, used causeways, observed calendars, and expanded through war and tribute.

Tenochtitlan

Aztec capital built on an island in Lake Texcoco; a major urban center.

causeways

Raised roads connecting an island capital to the mainland, allowing easy travel and transport.

calendar

Calendar systems used by Mesoamerican civilizations (e.g., Maya and Aztec) to track time for agriculture and rituals.

tribute

System of demands for goods or labor from conquered peoples used to support the empire.

fall of Aztec

The collapse of the Aztec Empire due to Spanish conquest and the impact of disease and alliances.

Inca

South American empire in the Andes; capital at Cuzco; rulers linked to the sun god and built farming terraces.

Cuzco

Inca capital city in present-day Peru.

emperor

Inca ruler seen as descended from the sun god, providing central authority.

Inti (sun god)

The Inca sun god; the emperor was considered a descendant of Inti.

farming terraces

Step-like fields built on hillsides to create flat farmland in the Andes.

irrigation

System of canals and ditches used to bring water to crops in arid regions.

Hohokam

Ancient culture of the American Southwest known for extensive irrigation networks.

Ancestral Puebloans

Ancient Southwestern culture known for pueblos and cliff dwellings; used irrigation.

Cahokia

Largest prehistoric Mississippian city near modern St. Louis, famous for its mounds.

mound builders

Mississippian cultures that built large earthen mounds for ceremonial and residential use.

culture region

Geographic area with shared cultural traits and practices.

cultural diffusion

Spread of cultural beliefs, technologies, and practices between groups.

Arctic/Subarctic

Northern climate regions characterized by cold temperatures and ice; shape lifestyles.

Northwest Coastal

Coastal region with forests and abundant resources; known for potlatch ceremonies.

potlatch

Ceremonial gift-giving feast used to display wealth and status among Northwest Coast tribes.

Great Plains

Grassland region; home to nomadic buffalo-hunting cultures; often lived in tents or tipis.

Sioux

Native American tribes of the Great Plains known for buffalo-based economies.

buffalo

American bison; central resource for Plains peoples.

tents

Portable homes (tipis) used by Great Plains tribes.

Iroquois League

Alliance of Iroquoian nations formed for mutual defense and shared governance.

alliance

Formal agreement between groups to cooperate toward common goals.