Maya, Inca, and Aztec Civilizations Flashcards

Flashcards covering key aspects of the Maya, Inca, and Aztec civilizations based on lecture notes.

Where was the Mayan Civilization located?

Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican and Central American rainforests

What type of government did the Mayan Civilization have?

City-states ruled by kings (it was not an empire)

What was one of the most important Mayan city-states?

Chichen Itza

What was the basis of the Mayan economy?

Agriculture and trade

What was the Mayan system of currency?

No uniform system of currency. Cacao beans were often used as payment.

What type of religion did the Mayans practice?

Polytheistic

What were some of the Mayan accomplishments?

Mathematics, concept of zero, first team sports, written language (Mayan glyphs), calendars

What was a major accomplishment regarding the Mayan calendar?

Calculated a year that was 365.2420 days long

When did the Mayan Civilization disappear?

The Maya Civilization disappeared in the 9th century.

Where was the Inca Empire located?

Andes Mountains in South America

What is the most famous Inca city?

Machu Picchu

Describe the Inca government.

Ruled by an emperor with absolute power, who was considered to be the son of the Sun

What was the basis of the Inca Economy?

Agriculture

What system of agriculture did the Incas use in the mountains?

Terrace farming with extensive irrigation

What type of religion did the Incas practice?

Polytheistic

Who conquered the Inca Empire?

Pizarro (Spanish conquistador)

Where was the Aztec Empire located?

Arid valley in Central Mexico, near swampy Lake Texcoco

What was the most important Aztec city?

Tenochtitlan

Describe the Aztec government.

Ruled by an absolute emperor

What was the basis of the Aztec economy?

Tribute and trade

What are chinampas?

Floating gardens that the Aztecs used

What type of religion did the Aztecs practice?

Polytheistic

Who conquered the Aztec Empire?

Cortez (Spanish conquistador)