Early Americas Unit Study Guide - Vocabulary Words

Directions: Write the definition for each of the vocabulary words listed below. Chinampas: ____________

• Artificial islands or floating gardens

• Ancient stone pyramids

• Traditional Aztec clothing

• A type of Aztec musical instrument

Directions: Write the definition for each of the vocabulary words listed below. Codex: ____________

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

• A type of traditional Aztec clothing

• A ceremonial Aztec dance

• A famous Aztec city

Directions: Write the definition for each of the vocabulary words listed below. Conquistadors: ____________

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

• Native American leaders who resisted European colonization and protected their lands

• Spanish merchants who traded goods between Europe and the Americas

• Portuguese explorers who mapped the coast of Africa

Directions: Write the definition for each of the vocabulary words listed below. Maize: ____________

• Corn originally grown in Mesoamerica

• A type of ancient pottery

• A ceremonial dance

• A traditional woven fabric

Directions: Write the definition for each of the vocabulary words listed below. Mit’a System: ____________

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

• A system of trading goods for other goods without using money

• A method of electing leaders through popular vote

• A religious ceremony performed to honor ancestors

Directions: Write the definition for each of the vocabulary words listed below. Observatory: ____________

• A building designed to study the sky and outer space

• A place where animals are kept for public viewing

• A laboratory for chemical experiments

• A museum displaying historical artifacts

Directions: Write the definition for each of the vocabulary words listed below. Obsidian: ____________

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

• A type of ancient writing system used by the Maya

• A ceremonial headdress worn by Aztec priests

• A traditional Mesoamerican dish made from maize

Directions: Write the definition for each of the vocabulary words listed below. Popol Vuh: ____________

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

• A type of traditional Mayan clothing

• A famous Mayan city

• A Mayan agricultural tool

Directions: Write the definition for each of the vocabulary words listed below. Quechua: ____________

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

• A traditional Inca festival celebrated during the winter solstice

• A type of ancient Inca currency used for trade

• A sacred mountain believed to be the origin of the Inca people

Directions: Write the definition for each of the vocabulary words listed below. Quipu: ____________

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

• A traditional Incan musical instrument

• A type of ancient Peruvian pottery

• A ceremonial garment worn by Incan priests