Mesoamerican and Early Civilizations

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Mesoamerican and early civilizations, including major cultures, belief systems, and economic systems.

Maya civilization

A collection of city-states characterized by frequent warfare for tributary states and a belief in human sacrifice.

Aztec Empire

A decentralized state that extracted tribute from conquered areas while claiming ties to respected local rulers; capital was Tenochtitlan.

Mit'a system

A labor system used by the Inca, requiring people to work for a year as a form of payment.

Mississippian culture

A North American culture known for agriculture and a hierarchical system of power.

Swahili city-states

A collection of small city-states that engaged in trade along the Indian Ocean, exporting goods like gold and ivory.

Great Zimbabwe

A state that controlled trade ports on the Indian Ocean, exporting gold and other goods.

Hausa kingdoms

Independent city-states in West Africa that gained power and wealth through the trans-Saharan trade network.

Byzantine Empire

An empire centered in Constantinople, following Eastern Orthodox Christianity and using it to justify their authority.

Feudalism

A hierarchical system of power in medieval Europe characterized by relationships between lords, knights, and common people.

House of Wisdom

A significant institution in the Islamic world where scholars gathered to study mathematics, religion, and philosophy.

Bhakti movement

A movement within Hinduism emphasizing personal devotion to a single god.

Sufism

A mystical Islamic belief that seeks a direct personal experience with God, often through spiritual practices.

Song Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty known for its advancements in economy, use of paper money, and adherence to Confucianism.

Civil Service Exam

A rigorous examination in China for evaluating candidates for bureaucratic positions.

Four Noble Truths

The foundational principles of Buddhism stating that suffering exists, is caused by desire, and can be overcome by following a prescribed path.

Champa rice

A fast-maturing rice variety introduced during the Song Dynasty that significantly increased agricultural production.