Vocab: Mesoamerican Civilizations

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Cacao

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A tropical tree whose seeds are used to make chocolate.

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Slash-and-burn agriculture

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A farming method that involves the cutting and burning of plants in a forest or woodland to clear fields for growing crops.

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Maize

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A type of corn first domesticated by early Mesoamericans.

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Mother culture

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A term for an early culture that has great and widespread influence on later cultures and people.

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Terrace

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A flat, step-like ledge cut into a steep hillside, used for growing crops.

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Codex

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A folded book made of tree bark paper.

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Creation Story

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An account that explains how the world began and how people came to exist.

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Chinampa

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A field floating on water where crops are grown.

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Communal

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Shared by all members of a community.

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Conquistador

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A Spanish conqueror who sought gold and other riches in the Americas.