1. Introduction
Chapter Introduction
This chapter will introduce you to Mesoamerican Civilizations. You will learn all about the cultures that developed there, as well as the way those cultures affected the environment and used their urban space.
Section 1: The Maya
Section 2: The Aztecs

2. Academic Vocabulary dense—adj., thickly clustered
The Maya
Academic Vocabulary
dense—adj., thickly clustered
Cities have dense areas of housing.
economy—n., the system by which a country’s people
make a living
Trade was an important part of the Maya economy.
Have students use the Academic Vocabulary or high-use words to review terms in the section. If students are unfamiliar with the terms, have them read the definitions and practice by using them in sentences.

3. The Maya
Key Ideas
After people in Mesoamerica learned to farm, civilizations developed in this region of tropical forest and highlands.
In the Maya civilization, religion and government were closely related.

4. The Maya
Key Ideas
The Maya developed a complex writing system and made advances in mathematics, science, and architecture.

5. The Maya
Key Terms
obsidian—natural volcanic glass used to make very sharp blades and heads for spears and arrows
slash-and-burn agriculture—farming method in which trees and other plants on a plot of land are cut down and burned and ash is used for fertilizer
quetzal—colorful tropical bird
Students should use the Word Wise feature in this chapter of their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

6. Key Terms drought—long period of extremely dry weather
The Maya
Key Terms
drought—long period of extremely dry
weather
hieroglyphic—symbol that stands for a
word, idea, or sound
observatory—building for observing the sky
Students should use the Word Wise feature in this chapter of their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

7. Migration to the Americas
The Maya
Migration to the Americas
The first people came to the Americas from Asia.
Some people believe these people came by foot on a land bridge to Alaska.
Other people believe they came by boat and then traveled south along the American coasts.
These people arrived between 15,000 and 40,000 years ago.
Refer students to the map in Section 1 of the Student Edition which depicts this land bridge and the probable migration routes. Ask students to think about what sort of knowledge these early people brought with them.

8. Maya Civilization Which part of modern Mexico did
The Maya
Maya Civilization
Which part of modern Mexico did
the Maya civilization cover?
What were the names of some large Maya cities
Refer students to this map in Section 1 of the Student Edition. Discuss the extent of the Olmec, Maya, and Zapotec civilizations. Point out the role that geography played in the expansion of the Maya civilization.

9. The Maya
Maya Achievements
The Maya developed an advanced writing system using hieroglyphs.
The Maya developed the science of astronomy and used three different calendars.
The Maya built impressive buildings, including observatories, out of stone.
Maya artistic ability was shown in the murals on the walls of some temples and palaces.
Discuss with students how these advanced characteristics demonstrate that the Maya had a complex civilization. Help students understand that cultural aspects of a civilization are related to political and economic developments.

10. The Aztecs
Academic Vocabulary
rigid—adj., inflexible, unchanging My friend’s mother had a rigid rule about coming home by sunset.
purchase—v., to buy
T.J.’s dream was to purchase his own recording studio.
Have students use the Academic Vocabulary or high-use words to review terms in the section. If students are unfamiliar with the terms, have them read the definitions and practice by using them in sentences.

11. Key Ideas The Aztecs built a powerful empire through conquest.
Aztec kings led a strong government and
ruled a society organized into clearly defined
social classes.

12. Key Ideas The Aztec capital city, Tenochtitlan, featured
The Aztecs
Key Ideas
The Aztec capital city, Tenochtitlan, featured
advanced engineering and impressive
architecture.

13. Key Terms basin—bowl-shaped area
The Aztecs
Key Terms
basin—bowl-shaped area
chinampa—artificial island built by the Aztecs
dike—wall to hold back water
Students should use the Word Wise feature in this chapter of their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

14. Key Terms absolute monarchy—system of government
The Aztecs
Key Terms
absolute monarchy—system of government
in which the monarch has unlimited power over
the government
aqueduct—channel that moves water over a
long distance
Students should use the Word Wise feature in this chapter of their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

15. Aztec Government The Triple Alliance was a union of three Aztec kings.
The Aztecs
Aztec Government
The Triple Alliance was a union of three Aztec
kings.
The three kings cooperated on decisions
affecting the Triple Alliance.
Councils and ministers helped make decisions
affecting Tenochtitlan.
Each Aztec king had an absolute monarchy over
his Kingdom.
The nobles controlled the villages.
Refer students to the Aztec Government diagram in Section 2 of the student edition. Discuss with them how the Triple Alliance enabled conquered city-states to support the efforts of the larger Aztec empire. How did this strengthen the empire?

16. Aztec Government A Supreme Council of nobles helped choose a new
The Aztecs
Aztec Government
A Supreme Council of nobles helped choose a new
Aztec king when an old one died.
Conquered city-states had to pay tribute to
the Aztec conquerors.

17. Aztec Achievements The Aztecs built aqueducts to carry water to
Tenochtitlan.
In the walled plaza, Templo Mayor was the
largest structure.
Help students understand that the Aztec tackled complex engineering and architecture projects without modern tools or technology. Encourage students to image how these achievements might lead to a sense of civic pride in a society.

18. Aztec Achievements Aztec artists were known for goldworking,
The Aztecs
Aztec Achievements
Aztec artists were known for goldworking,
jewelry-making, and featherwork.
The Aztecs were skilled orators and poets.
Aztec influence continues to the present,
especially in Mexican cooking.
Some of today’s most popular foods are those
with Nahuatl names: chocolate, tomato, and
avocado.
Review with students the different aspects of Aztec life and Aztec achievements in order to assess their understanding of the complex society of this group.