chapter 6

Question 1

The Olmecs

Answer 1

Who/What: First civilization in Mesoamerica
Where: along the coast of the gulf of Mexico south of Veracruz, it spread from Mexico city to el Salvador at its height
When: end of 10th through 4th century BCE
Significance: made largest pyramid in Mesoamerica, writing system using hieroglyphics (likely the first writing system in the Americas), and the use of rubber to make products including balls and footwear.

Question 2

The Aztecs

Answer 2

Who/What: early civilization
Where: modern day Mexico down to Guatemala, capital at Tenochtitlan
When: made it to Mesoamerica in 12th cent.
Significance: One of most advanced people in pre-Columbian Central America. UHH BUT HOW??? BOOK IS SO UNCLEAR

Question 3

Land of the feathered serpent

Answer 3

Who/What: feathered serpent: god Quetzalcoatl
Where: mesoamerica (across numerous civilizations, most notably to aztecs)
When: Aztecs : 1300’s-1400’s
Significance: The feathered serpent represented the forces of creation, virtue, learning, and culture. According to tradition, the feathered serpent left the valley of Mexico in the tenth century promising to return and triumph.

Question 4

First Americans

Answer 4

Who/What: Although not confirmed, the first peoples in America were probably northeastern Asians who crossed the bering strait in pursuit of bison and caribou that were searching for grazing lands after the last ice age.
Where: Crossed the Bering Strait (land bridge between Asia and north America)
When: Between 10,000 and 15,000 years ago
Significance: These first people to make it to the Americas started civilizations and began the growth of population on these continents. They spread all the way down to the southernmost part by 11,000 BCE. They lived in nomadic communities of hunters and gatherers. They eventually discovered agriculture and were able to form prospering civilizations.

Question 5

Virgins with red cheeks

Answer 5

Who/What: Women chosen to be lifelong virgins
Where: inca civilization (andes mountains in south america)
When: 14th century
Significance: Showed that Inca society valued virginity. They attended to concubines and gave no risk of making concubines pregnant. They took care of concubines and watched over them, making sure they were only sleeping with the king or whoever they were concubines to. Specific roles and expectations for women