7.1: Indigenous Civilizations of the Americas

Pre-Columbian Americas

The Americas before Columbus and European contact; a time when many Indigenous societies already had deep histories and complex civilizations.

Mesoamerica

A region in present-day Mexico and Central America where advanced civilizations such as the Maya and Aztec developed.

Andes

A mountain region in western South America where the Inka built their empire.

Maya

A major Mesoamerican civilization known for city-states, writing, astronomy, mathematics, and monumental architecture.

Zero

A mathematical concept used by the Maya, showing their advanced understanding of mathematics.

Long Count calendar

The Maya calendar system used to record historical dates over long periods of time.

Terracing

The creation of flat farming areas on hillsides or mountains to improve agriculture. Used in some Maya regions and heavily by the Inka.

Aztec / Mexica

A powerful Mesoamerican people who built an empire centered on Tenochtitlán.

Tenochtitlán

The Aztec capital, built on an island in Lake Texcoco; a major political, economic, and religious center.

Causeways

Raised roads connecting Tenochtitlán to the mainland. They helped the city move people and goods.

Aqueduct

A structure used to carry fresh water into a city. Tenochtitlán's aqueduct showed advanced engineering.

Chinampas

Raised agricultural plots built in shallow lake areas; often called 'floating gardens.' They helped feed Tenochtitlán.

Inka

A South American civilization that built the largest empire in the pre-Columbian Americas in the Andes.

Cusco (Cuzco)

The capital of the Inka Empire and an important political and religious center.

Pachacuti

A major Inka ruler who expanded the empire and strengthened its administration.

Quipu

A system of knotted cords used by the Inka to record information, especially numbers, labor, and tribute.

Mita

A labor tax system in which people owed labor to the state instead of money.

Labor tax

A requirement that subjects work for the government on projects like roads, farming, mining, or military service. The Inka used this system.