CRQ: Content Specific Vocabulary

Maya

a civilization in Mesoamerica known for advanced math, calendars, and writing.

Mesoamerica

a region in Mexico and Central America where early civilizations developed

City states

small, independent cities with their own government and rulers

Glyphs/Codex

symbols used for writing, and books made from bark paper with writing and pictures

Cenote

a natural sinkhole filled with water (used as a water source)

Inca

a powerful civilization in South America

Terrace Farming/Vertical Economy

cutting steps into mountains to grow crops, using different elevations to grow different foods

Ayllu

a community or family group that shares land and works together

Sapa Inca

the emperor (ruler) of the Inca (seen as god)

Quipu

a system of knotted strings used to record information

Machu Picchu

a famous Inca city high in the mountains

Mita System

when Inca people had to work for the government instead of paying taxes

Aztec

a powerful civilization in central Mexico with a large empire

Obsidian

a volcanic glass used to make very sharp tools and weapons

Corvee

a system where people must do unpaid work for the government

Chinampas

floating gardens used by the Aztecs to grow crops on water

Tenochtitlan

the capital city of the Aztec Empire built on a lake