Chapter 20 Flashcards
Bernel Diaz del Castillo
soldier in the Spanish army who described Tenochtitlan at its high point
Teotihuacan
city which sat in the water of lake Texoco. Largest city in Mesoamerica
Tula
city which became an important center of weaving, pottery, & obsidian work. Many migrants settled here. Around 1175, fire destroyed much of the city (Toltecs.)
Chichén Itzá
Mayan city about 1,500 km east of Tula
Tenochtitlan
Capital of the Aztec empire. An island in a marshy region of lake Texoco. The Mexica settled here around 1345
chinampa
system of agriculture in which the Mexica dredged a fertile muck from the lake’s bottom and built it up into the small plots of land know as chinampas
triple alliance
the Mexica joined forces with neighboring cities of Texoco & Tiacopan. A main objective: collect tribute from subject peoples. Imposed their rule on about 12 million people.
Itzcóatl
“the obsidian serpent.” Mexica were able to expand to Oaxaca in southwest Mexico under his rule (along with Motecuzoma I.)
Chucuito
kingdom which dominated the highlands regions around lake Titicaca
Chimu
Powerful kingdom which expanded to dominate some 900 km of the Peruvian coast/LOWLANDS. Enjoyed considerable WEALTH & recongnized CLEAR SOCIAL DISTINCTIONS.
Chanchan
Chimu’s capital city. Featured massive brick building. Well defined social order
quipu
an array of small cords of various colors & lengths, all suspended from one large, thick cord. Used to help remember important information etc
Cuzco
administrative, religious, & ceremonial center of the Inca empire. Modest village at first, then transformed into magnificent capital by Pachacuti when he retired there
Nan Mandol
site of the Sandeleur dynasty’s powerful state
Marae
ceremonial town and temple structure. Often had terraced floors & rock/coral walls
