Vocabulary Terms and Concepts from Unit 2: Classical and Post Classical Societies of the Western Hemisphere

Mesoamerica

Region in Central America and Mexico known for its ancient civilizations, including the Aztecs, the Olmecs, and Maya. It is characterized by complex societies, pyramid temples, and advanced agricultural practices.

Olmecs

• Mesoamerican civilization

• Flourished from 1200 to 400 BCE

• Known for colossal stone heads

• Developed complex social and political systems

• Influenced later civilizations in the region

Maya

Ancient civilization in Mesoamerica known for its advanced writing system, mathematics, and monumental architecture, including pyramids and temples.

Kaminaljuyú

• Mayan Ceremonial center

Teotihuacan

central american society, Pyramid of Sun was largest structure in the world

Tikal

Maya politcal center from the 4th-9th century

Chichén Itzà

Major Mayan city located in the northern Yucatan Peninsula of modern Mexico

Popol Vuh

Mayan creation myth recorded in the 16th century. Tells the story of the creation of the world, gods, and humans. Contains moral lessons and religious beliefs of the ancient Maya.

bloodletting rituals

ritual involving the shedding of human blood as a form of sacrifice to the gods, practiced by Mayan and Aztecs

Pacal

Powerful ruler of the Maya city-state of Palenque from 615-683 AD. Known for his elaborate tomb in the Temple of Inscriptions, which contained hieroglyphic inscriptions and a stone sarcophagus. His reign marked a period of artistic and architectural achievement in Maya civilization.

Kan Bahlam II

Mayan ruler of Palenque from 684-702 CE. Known for his architectural achievements, including the construction of the Temple of the Cross.

Pyramid of the Sun

The largest structure in Teotihuacan, Mexico. It is a Mesoamerican pyramid with a square base and four sides. It was built around 200 AD and stands at a height of 216 feet. The Pyramid of the Sun was a sacred site, possibly used for religious ceremonies and astronomical observations.

Chavín Culture

Mysterious but very popular South American religion

Mochica (Moche)

member of ancient moche people of northern Peru

Tenochtitlan

Capital city of the Aztec Empire

Texcoco

Located near Lake Texcoco where the Aztecs built Tenochtitlan on

Tlatelolco

Historical market district in ancient Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.

Mexica

Nahuatl speaking people from the valley of Mexico who were the rulers of the Aztec Empire

Toltecs

Central american society that was centered on the city of Tula.

Tula

Original region of the Toltec people, located to the northwest of modern Mexico city

Aztec Empire

Empire created by the Mexica

chinampa

agricultural garden used by Mexica/Aztecs built on the lake built by fertile muck and posts.

Itzcóatl

Aztec king who formed many alliances and nicknamed “the obsidian serpant”

Motecuzoma I

Fifth aztec ruler who extended the aztec rule beyond the valley of mexico aand defeated the rival city of Oaxaca

calpulli

units of commoners housing

Tezcatlipoca

Mexica diety of warriors (giver and taker of life)

Quetzalcóatl

Exiled Mexica feathered serpant god

Huitzilopochtli

Sun god and patron diety of the Aztecs

Pueblo

Native american tribe

Navajo

Native american tribe in the southwest

Iroquois

East American native american civilization

Haudenosaunee

The five nations of the Iroquois created the first democracy

includes…

• mohawk (elder)

• oreida (younger)

• onondaga (heart of confrderacy

• cayuga (younger)

• seneca (elder)

Hohokam

Southwest American Native American Civilization

Sonoran Desert

Desert in North America

Cahokia

Mound people who created massive ball courts , irrigation canals, and red-buff pottery

Chucuito

Preincan society that rose in the twelth century and fell into the incas and dominated the highlands region around lake titicaca

Chimu

Pre-Incan south american society that fell to the Incas in the fifteenth century

Quechua

Indigenous dialect spoken by the Quechua

Inca empire

South american empire near lake titicaca

quipu

Incan mnemonic device using colored strings and knots to take note of state property, populations, takes, labor services, food, etc.

cuzco

administrative, religious, ceremonial center for indigenous people in the peruvian andes.

ayllu

Form of andes community, similar to calpullis. Family or clan.

Inti

Incan Sun God

Viracocha

creator of the world and everything in the universe in the andes. great pre-incan diety.