Early American Civilizations and Classical Age Comparisons

Vocabulary based on the developments of Mesoamerican civilizations like Teotihuacan and the Mayans, as well as general economic and political trends of the Classical Age.

Mesoamerica

The geographic region that is now Mexico and Central America where early American civilizations like Teotihuacan and the Mayans developed.

Teotihuacan

A multicultural urban area located near modern-day Mexico City that prospered through regional trade and featured a grid-based street layout with temples for the Sun and Moon.

$$125,000$$

The population of Teotihuacan by the 6th Century CE, which made it one of the largest cities in the world at that time.

City of the Gods

The name later given to Teotihuacan, which influenced powerful subsequent civilizations such as the Aztecs after it was abandoned by $650$.

The Mayans

The most influential classical civilization in the Americas, traced back to $1500\,BCE$ and located south of Teotihuacan.

$250\,CE$ and $900\,CE$

The specific timeframe during which the Mayans reached their height of population and wealth.

Concept of zero

A mathematical idea understood by the Mayans while contemporaries in the Mediterranean world had not yet grasped it.

Classical Age

The era between $600\,BCE$ and $600\,CE$ when empires emerged sharing similar traits in economics, politics, and reasons for decline.

Stirrups

A technological innovation from the Roman and Han period that made riding horses easier and supported Eurasian exchange networks.

Eurasian exchange networks

Trade systems that utilized stable governments and innovations like rest stops and stirrups to make long journey travel more dependable.