Mesoamerican and Andean Civilizations (Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Inca) and Polynesia

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Inca, and Polynesian civilizations.

Olmec

Early Mesoamerican civilization (c. 1500–400 BCE) famous for colossal stone heads, jade artifacts, and influence on later cultures; practiced polytheistic religion.

Olmec jade artifacts

Jade carvings used in rituals and elite items, reflecting Olmec beliefs and social status.

Olmec stone heads

Large carved stone busts thought to represent rulers or deities; symbols of power and regional identity.

Maya

Mesoamerican civilization known for hieroglyphic writing, complex calendars, and impressive pyramids and cities.

Maya hieroglyphs

The Maya script with logograms and syllabic signs used to record history, religion, and astronomy.

Haab' calendar

Maya solar calendar of 365 days: 18 months of 20 days plus 5 nameless Wayeb days.

Tzolk'in calendar

Maya ritual calendar of 260 days, combining 20 day-names with 13 numbers for ceremonies and divination.

Maya codices

Bark-paper books used to inscribe Maya writing for recording history, religion, and astronomy.

Aztec

Central Mexican empire known for urban centers, religion, warfare, and the city of Tenochtitlan.

Temple Mayor

Main Aztec temple complex in Tenochtitlan dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc; center of ritual activity.

Tenochtitlan

Aztec capital city built on an island in Lake Texcoco; hub of commerce and government.

Huitzilopochtli

Aztec sun and war god; central deity in many Aztec rituals and sacrifices.

Tlaloc

Aztec rain and agriculture god; worshiped with offerings to ensure fertility.

Tezcatlipoca

Aztec deity associated with the smoking mirror; linked to fate and ritual life, including Toxcatl.

Feast of Toxcatl

Aztec festival in honor of Tezcatlipoca featuring dance, song, and processions.

Panquetzaliztli

Aztec winter festival honoring Huitzilopochtli with grand parades and warrior dances.

Inca

Andean empire known for centralized administration, Mit’a labor, ayllu communities, and vast road networks.

Mit’a

Inca labor tribute requiring citizens to work on public projects or provide services to the state.

Ayllu

Inca clan-based community that cooperated in farming, herding, and public works.

Machu Picchu

Inca citadel in the Andes; royal estate and religious center; renowned architecture and terraces; UNESCO site.

Inca road system (Qhapaq Ñan)

Extensive network of roads (~40,000 km) across the Andes for trade, communication, and military movement.

Chasquis

Inca relay runners who carried messages along the road network.

Alpaca wool

Soft, warm, and durable fiber from alpacas used to make textiles for clothing and blankets.

Polynesia

Pacific Island cultures connected by seafaring; known for navigation and widespread cultural connections.