1.5 Aztec and Inca Empires

A set of 15 vocabulary flashcards reviewing key terms, institutions, and concepts related to the Aztec and Inca civilizations from lecture notes.

Chinampas

Floating gardens constructed on lake Texocco by the Aztecs to farm on lake water.

Pochteca

The merchant class in Aztec society responsible for managing long-distance trade.

Tianguis

Large and organized markets central to the Aztec economic system.

Triple Alliance

The regional alliance formed by Tenochtitlan, Texoco, and Tlacopan to dominate the area.

Templo Mayor

A massive temple in Tenochtitlan that served as a central site for Aztec religion and human sacrifices to nourish the sun god.

Hernan cortes

The Spanish leader who conquered the Aztec Empire in $1521$ using superior weaponry, disease, and native allies.

Nanuat

The language of the Aztecs whose culture and influence remain strong in Mexico today.

Andenes

Terrace farming structures built by the Inca in the Andes Mountains to cultivate crops such as potatoes, maize, and quinoa.

Cchuño

Freeze-dried food products, specifically potatoes, produced by the Inca for long-term food preservation.

Chasquins

Inca relay runners who traversed a road system of over $25,000\,\text{miles}$ to deliver rapid communications.

Sapa Inca

The ruler of the Inca Empire who held absolute power and was regarded as a descendant of the sun god.

Ayus

Family-based communal labor groups that formed the fundamental base of Inca society.

Mita system

A mandatory public service system requiring labor from Inca citizens (men ages $15\text{--}50$) for state projects such as roads, military, and farming.

Quipos

Knotted cords utilized by the Inca for extensive numerical record-keeping in place of a written language.

Mitma

The Inca policy of relocating conquered peoples to prevent rebellions and promote loyalty to the empire.