Introduction to the Ancient Maya and Mesoamerica (1)

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the ancient Maya and the broader region of Mesoamerica, including cultural practices and technological aspects.

Mesoamerica

A fluid region of interaction in Middle America that includes most of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras, emphasizing cultural similarities among ancient civilizations.

Maya

An ancient civilization known for its amazing cultural achievements and the development of cities in present-day Central America.

Obsidian

A black volcanic glass that was highly valued for its sharp edges in Mesoamerican societies.

Jade

A precious green stone that symbolized the sky and gods; considered the most valuable material in ancient Mesoamerica.

Tump line economy

A method of carrying loads on the head or in canoes, used due to the lack of wheeled transportation in ancient Mesoamerica.

Cyclical time

The belief in ancient Mesoamerica that time moves in cycles rather than linearly, reflected in their calendrical systems.

Trilogy of foodstuffs

The staple crops of corn, beans, and squash that formed the basis of Mesoamerican agriculture.

Bloodletting and sacrifice

Ritual practices among Mesoamerican cultures that involved providing blood or human sacrifices to deities.

Calendrical system

The complex systems of timekeeping used by ancient Mesoamericans, notably accurate compared to the Gregorian calendar.

Cacao

The source of chocolate, tightly controlled by Mesoamerican elites and a symbol of wealth.