Mesoamerica Vocabulary

Spanish conquistador who defeated the Aztecs and conquered Mexico (1485-1547)

• Francisco Pizzaro

• Christopher Columbus

• Hernan Cortes

• Vasco de Gama

(1200-1521) 1300, they settled in the valley of Mexico. Grew corn. Engaged in frequent warfare to conquer others of the region. Worshiped many gods (polytheistic). Believed the sun god needed human blood to continue his journeys across the sky. Practiced human sacrifices and those sacrificed were captured warriors from other tribes and those who volunteered for the honor.

• Inca

• Aztec

• Maya

• Olmec

Abandoned city high in the Andes mountains that showcases the architectural genius of the Inca

• Machu Picchu

• Tenochtitlan

• Chichen Itza

• Quechua

1500 B.C. to 900 A.D. This is the most advanced civilization of the time in the Western Hempishere. Famous for its awe-inspiring temples, pyramids and cities. A complex social and political order.

• Aztec

• Mayans

• Inca

• Olmec

Last ruling Inca emperor of Peru. He was executed by the Spanish.

• Moctezuma II

• Atahualpa

• Francisco Pizarro

• Hernan Cortes

Ancient civilization (1200-1500AD) that was located in the Andes in Peru

• Inca

• Maya

• Aztec

• Olmec

Spanish conquistador who conquered the Incas

• Hernan Cortes

• Francisco Pizarro

• Atahualpa

• Moctezuma II

An early form of corn grown by Native Americans

• Maize

• Causeways

• Observatories

• Quechua

(1466-1520) Aztec ruler from 1502 to 1520; he was the emperor of the Aztecs when Cortés and his army conquered the empire. He was taken prisoner and killed during battle with the Spanish army.

• Francisco Pizarro

• Hernan Cortes

• Atahualpa

• Moctezuma II

buildings from which people could study the sky

• museum

• Temple

• Observatory

• Quechua