Post-Classical Mesoamerican and Andean Civilizations: Maya, Inca, and Aztec

Vocabulary flashcards covering the social, political, environmental, cultural, and economic (SPICE) aspects of the Maya, Inca, and Aztec civilizations.

Maya City-States

The political organization of the Maya Empire, which consisted of individual city-states governed by kings rather than a single unified government.

Glyphs

The writing system used by the Mayan people to record information.

Reservoirs (Maya)

Water storage systems built by the Maya people to collect and store water for the summer dry season.

Maize (Maya)

The major crop that formed the heart of Mayan agriculture and economy.

Ayllu

An Inca farming community group that shared responsibilities and assisted each other with daily tasks.

Sapa Inca

The title of the emperor who ruled the Incan Empire with the support of government officials.

Inca Terraces

Agricultural structures built on steep mountainsides by the Inca to grow crops and reduce soil erosion.

Inti

The Incan Sun god, worshipped through ceremonies and the construction of temples.

Mit'a

A mandatory labor system required by the Inca government to redistribute food and supplies throughout the empire.

Calpuli

An Aztec community organization responsible for local activities, land use, education, and shared duties.

Huey Tlatoani

The supreme ruler who led the Aztec Empire and governed from the capital city of Tenochtitlan.

Chinampas

Farming plots constructed in shallow lakes by the Aztecs to grow crops and boost food production.

Pictorial Codices

Picture-based record books used by the Aztecs to record time, information, and historical events.

Pochteca

Specialized long-distance merchants who conducted trade across Aztec markets.

Causeways (Aztec)

Raised roadways built by the Aztecs to connect the island city of Tenochtitlan to the mainland.