Ancient Civilizations Vocabulary

A collection of vocabulary terms based on the lecture notes regarding the religious, educational, governmental, and recreational practices of the Anasazi, Mayan, Inca, Aztec, and Olmec civilizations.

Kivas

Spiritual buildings constructed by the Anasazi for worship.

Clans

Organized groups within the Anasazi community that divided up the work.

Three Layers of the World

The Mayan belief that the world is divided into the Earth, the Heavens, and the Underworld.

Mayan Writing System

A complicated system made of scratches on wood and stone that allowed for the creation of books.

Sign of Disgrace (Mayans)

The act of cutting a person's hair short if they broke a law.

Huacas

Objects and places honored by the Inca as part of their worship of the Gods of Nature.

Spa Inca

The leader at the top of the Inca government pyramid who ruled over all.

Inca Education (Common People)

A system where there was no school and individuals were assigned a job for life.

Ritual Centers

Locations where the Aztecs performed human sacrifices to keep their gods happy and prevent disaster.

Great Speaker

The head of the Aztec law courts, army, and priesthood who communicates with the gods.

Patolli

A gambling game played by the Aztecs for recreation.

Tlachtli

An Aztec ball game played with two teams using rubber balls.

Hieroglyphics

The Olmec writing system consisting of pictures and symbols.

Olmec Drainage System

An invention used to carry fresh water to different parts of the city.

Large Stone Heads

Olmec monuments created to represent rulers who had died.