Central and South American Civilizations: Maya, Aztecs, and Incas
Anchor Vocabulary 6-4.3
Textbook Pages 450-464
1. Mesoamerica -a geographic region in the world called "Middle America" extending from
modern-day Mexico in North America through Central America.
2. Central America - a geographic region in the world that is a group of seven countries located
south of North America and Mexico, and north of South America.
3. Maya - A Mesoamerican civilization of Central America and southern Mexico (Mexico's
Yucatan Peninsula and in Guatemala and Honduras). Chichen Itza and Tikal are two famous
Mayan cities and the decline of the Maya is unknown.
4. Inca- A Mesoamerican civilization that was an empire. They lived in the Andes Mountains of
South America (Ecuador, Peru, and Chile). They kept records using a complicated system of
colored knotted cords called quipus. The Spanish conquistador Pizarro conquered them in 1535.
5. Aztec– A Mesoamerican Native American empire who lived in Mexico. Their capital was
Tenochtitlan. They worshiped everything around them especially the sun. The Spanish
conquistador Cortes conquered them in 1521.
Directions: Choose 2 words from the above list and create a vocabulary square/map like the one
below on each for a total of 2 vocabulary squares/maps.
Definition of word
Characteristics of (Words to describe)
Vocabulary Word
Write a sentence that includes BOTH the
Illustrate a picture of the vocabulary word.
vocabulary word and context clues of the word.
Binder Labels
*Native People of Central, South, and North America
*European Exploration