People and Empires in the Americas

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on People and Empires in the Americas, focusing on the Maya, Hohokam, Anasazi, and other cultures.

Yoruba

A West African ethnic group whose kings trace their descent from Ife.

Potlatch

A ceremonial event among Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest involving the giving away of food, drink, and gifts.

Hohokam

An ancient civilization known for successful farming in central Arizona.

Anasazi

An ancient culture known for building impressive cliff dwellings and living in pueblos.

Mayan Religion

Polytheistic belief system of the Maya that involved rituals and occasionally human sacrifice.

Glyphs

The Mayan writing system, consisting of symbols used to represent words or sounds.

Codex

A bark-paper book used by the Mayans to record important historical events.

Mysterious Maya Decline

The period during which the Maya abandoned their cities due to various factors including invasions and environmental damage.

Huitzilopochtli

The Aztec sun god who told the Aztecs to establish a city.

Cahokia

The leading site of the Mississippian culture known for its large mounds and thriving villages.