Mesoamerica Flashcards

Flashcards reviewing key vocabulary from lessons about Mesoamerica, the Olmec, the Maya, and the Aztec civilizations.

Peninsula

Land with water on three sides, it sticks out into the sea or ocean. An example of a peninsula is the Yucatán Peninsula in Mesoamerica.

Cenotes (pronounced “ce no tez”

Natural wells, formed by a sinkhole, they iare sacred to the Maya.

Rugged

Rough land

Plateau

A high, flat area of land.

Theocracy

A government in which the leader and the ruling classes are believed to represent the will of the gods.

Aqueduct

A structure that carries flowing water.

Codex

A book with screens that fold together.

Mercenary

A hired soldier

Chinampa

A human-made island, built in swampy lake areas of Mexico.

Causeway

A raised bridge made of land

Alliance

An agreement to work with others