Pre-Columbian Americas

The Maya Civilization

A civilization that existed from 2000 BCE to 1697 CE in modern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, known for its city-states, pyramids, astrology, and advanced mathematics.

City-states

Independent, self-governing cities that were common in the Maya Civilization, rather than a unified empire.

Tribute collection

The practice of demanding gifts, goods, or labor from conquered peoples, employed by both Maya and Aztec civilizations.

Chinampas

Man-made islands used for farming by the Aztecs to increase agricultural production.

Human sacrifice

A practice in Aztec society involving the offering of human lives, believed to be essential for religious rituals and to prevent apocalyptic events.

Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire

The event in 1521 when Hernán Cortés led a small number of soldiers to overthrow the Aztec Empire, facilitated by disease and alliances with discontented tribes.

Quipus

A record-keeping system used by the Inca, consisting of knotted cords to track information like population and taxes.

Mit’a System

An Inca state-run labor system that organized workers for public projects, seen by some as a form of socialism, while others view it as forced labor.

Fall of the Aztec Empire

A rapid decline of the Aztec power in the 16th century due to disease, internal strife, and conquest by Spanish forces.

Civilization Location of the Inca Empire

The Inca Empire was located in the Andes Mountains, primarily in modern-day Peru, and known for its centralization and incorporation of conquered peoples.