1.4 Developments in the Americas

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts, government structures, and achievements of the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan civilizations between $$400$$ and $$1533$$.

Chinampas

Floating gardens used for agriculture.

Maya City-States

Political structures where most Mayans lived; there were $40$ city-states with populations ranging from $5000$ to $50,000$ people each.

Concept of zero

A mathematical achievement developed by the Mayans.

Maize

Corn; one of the three elements (along with sun and rain) for which the most important Mayan gods were named.

Mexicas

The name the Aztecs were known as.

Tenochtitlan

The Aztec capital founded in $1325$ at the site of present-day Mexico City, which grew to nearly $200K$ people.

Theocracy

A system of government ruled by religious leaders, as practiced by the Aztecs.

Indirect rule

The Aztec policy of allowing local rulers to stay in power and serve as tribute collectors.

Pachacuti

The leader who, in $1438$, conquered tribes near Cuzco, Peru, to begin the Incan Empire.

Mit’a system

A mandatory public service requirement for conquered people under the Incan government.

Inti

The Incan sun god, who was considered the most important deity.

Quipu

Knotted strings used by the Inca to record numerical information.

Terraces

An Incan agricultural achievement used for growing crops.

Roadway system

An Incan achievement consisting of $25K$ miles of roads.

Francisco Pizarro

The leader of the troops that defeated the Inca in $1532$.