This civilization reached its peak in the 9th century and was known for its astronomical observations, mathematical and calendar systems, hieroglyphic writing, pyramids and art. Living in what is now southern Mexico and northern Central America, they developed over 40 city-states, each ruled by a King. They believed that Kings were given their power by the gods.

A group or chain of islands

Man-made waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

A form of language spoken by people in a particular region or group

Relating to a social system in which the mother is head of the family; rule or leadership by women

Relating to a society in which men hold the greatest legal and moral authority

Energy obtained from flowing water.

Rich fertile soil in Northwestern Europe left by glaciers. This fine, rich topsoil is made of silt and clay, carried and deposited by wind.

Lands reclaimed from the sea in the Netherlands, once drained and kept dry by the use of windmills.

A large mass of ice, snow and rock that slides down a mountainside.

An economic system in which business leaders use profits to expand their companies.

A theory that calls for economic equality and ownership of resources and factories by the state.

An international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members.

A series of religious wars between Christians and the Islamic states of the eastern Mediterranean for control of the Holy Land. Europeans did not win permanent control of the region, but they did open trade routes, resulting in the exchange of cultural ideas, economics and politics between Europe and Southwest Asia.

Religious movement beginning in 1519, resulting in the split of the Roman Catholic Church and the formation of several new Christian denominations.

Period in European civilization characterized by a surge of interest in classical learning and values

Division of a region into smaller regions

Ruler of Russia until the 1917 revolution; originally from Latin word Caesar, title of Roman emperors

Illegal trade of scarce or illegal goods, usually sold at high prices