The Classic Period of Mesoamerica

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on the Classic Period of Mesoamerica, focusing on the Maya civilization and Teotihuacán.

Teotihuacán

A major Mesoamerican city known as 'Place of the Gods', notable for its pyramid structures and central location in Classic Mesoamerica.

Maya Civilization

A complex society that flourished in Mesoamerica from about 300 AD to 900 AD, characterized by city-states, advanced writing systems, and significant achievements in science and architecture.

Pyramid of the Sun

The largest structure in Teotihuacán, associated with the worship of deities and used for religious ceremonies.

Chaac

Mayan rain god, often depicted with features that symbolize rain and fertility.

Ball Game (Ollama)

A traditional Mesoamerican sport played with a rubber ball, often tied to religious rituals and social status.

Hieroglyphs

The writing system employed by the Maya that includes logograms and syllabic elements, used to record historical events and rituals.

Talud-tablero

An architectural style characterized by a sloped base and a vertical section, commonly found in Mesoamerican pyramids.

Cacao

A key trade commodity for the Mesoamerican cultures, used to make chocolate and as a form of currency.

Mayan Calendar

Composed of the Tzolkin (260-day) and the Haab (365-day) systems, used to organize and predict ceremonial events.

Chichén Itzá

An important archaeological site in Mexico, known for its large pyramid El Castillo and its impressive ball court.

Quetzalcóatl

The feathered serpent deity in Mesoamerican mythology, associated with wind, air, and learning.

Agua Caliente

A specific area in Maya territory known for its hot springs, which held ritual significance.