History

Obisidan

Volcanic glass used to make tools and weapons

Jade

A green stone symbolizing purity and eternity

Cacao

The raw, unrefined bean from the Theobroma cacao tree

Slash burn agriculture

A traditional farming method where vegetation is cut down and burned to clear land

Maize

Corn, a major food group in Mesoamerica

Mother culture

An older, foundational culture that significantly influences later civilizations, even after its own decline

Mesoamerica

A region that includes the southern part of Mexico and alot of central america.

codex

an ancient manuscript text in book form used by Mesoamerican civilizations to record historical and important events

Tribute

An action or statement meant to show gratitude and respect,

Causeway

a raised road or track across low or wet ground.

aqueduct

an artificial channel for conveying water, typically in the form of a bridge across a valley or other gap.

chinapama

an ancient, highly productive Mesoamerican agricultural system of artificial islands built on lake beds

4 natural resources found in mesoamerica

Cacao, obsidian, maize, jade, and seashells.

Mayan god of maize

I learned that there are a lot of gods in Mayan history. Itzamna(creator), Chaac(rain), Ix Chel(moon), kukulkan(feathered serpent), Kinich Ahau(sun), and Ah Puch(death).

San lorenzo

San Lorenzo was the first major urban center and political capital of the Olmec civilization. It flourished in Mexicoś Veracruz state around 1400-900 BCE. It is known for its fertile land, colossal stone heads, and advanced drainage.

Main rules of ball game

Using hips, elbows, and knees not hand and feet to hit a solid rubber ball, keeping it in play on an I-shaped court with side walls, and scoring by hitting markers or, later, shooting the ball through high stone hoops, with losing often leading to sacrifice.

Crops that the olmec grew

Maize, beans, squash, sweet potatoes, avocados, chilli peppers, tomatoes, and yams

Traditions the olmec began that were adopted by other civilizations

Architecture, ball game, artistic styles, ceremonial centers, calendar systems, maize cultivation, etc.

What other mayan ruins still exist today

Many Mayan ruins still exist today across Mexico and Guatemala. For example, Palenque renowned for its elegant architecture and the Temple of the Inscriptions.

Mayan social classes

Kings

Nobles and priests

Commoners and peasants

slaves

Mayan calender

Highly complex calendar used by many mesoamericans. This calendar circulates around 52 years. It tracked the movement of planets. It ended doomsday of 2012.