Mesoamerican Civilizations Flashcards

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Chinampas

Back

Artificial islands or floating gardens

Front

Codex

Back

An ancient book, manuscript, or scroll that the Aztecs used to explain their history

Front

Conquistadors

Back

Spanish soldiers who tried to conquer as much land as possible for their country to spread Christianity, become wealthy, and achieve fame

Front

Maize

Back

Corn originally grown in Mesoamerica

Front

Mit’a System

Back

Arrangement in which people performed physical labor as a way of paying taxes to the government instead of giving money

Front

Observatory

Back

A building designed to study the sky and outer space

Front

Obsidian

Back

Black and sharp volcanic rock that Mesoamericans used to create tools, weapons, mirrors, and decorations

Front

Popol Vuh

Back

Sacred text with legends and history that the Maya passed down for generations

Front

Quechua

Back

The official language of the Inca Empire that the government required everyone to speak during politically-related communications and business transactions

Front

Quipu

Back

A record-keeping tool made of string that was knotted in different ways