AP World History Chapter 21 – Flashcards

definition: a people who invaded central Mexico and were ruled by a military class; had a capital city of Tula; influenced the Maya; introduced the working of gold and silver; spread the worship of their god Quetzalcoatl; destroyed in the AD 1100s significance: helped set up the region for society

definition: founded Tenochtitlan; regarded themselves as chosen people in charge of keeping the world from destruction significance: founded Tenochtitlan and the Aztecs

definition: Aztec tribal patron god; central figure of cult of human sacrifice and warfare; identified with old sun god significance: Led Aztec religion

definition: Aztec nature god, feathered serpent, his disappearance and promised return coincided with the arrival of Cortes significance: coaxed the Aztecs into helping Cortes

definition: a member of any of about two dozen Native American peoples called pueblos by the Spanish because they live in villages built of adobe and rock significance: demonstrated Spanish influence

definition: New York Indian tribe which significance: built great mounds that are marvels to look at

definition: a member of the small group of Quechuan people living in the Cuzco valley in Peru who established hegemony over their neighbors to create the great Inca empire that lasted from about 1100 until the Spanish conquest in the early 1530s significance: built roads, major society of South America

definition: capital of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco; population was about 150,000 on the eve of Spanish conquest; Mexico City was constructed on its ruins. significance: Demonstrated Aztec ingeniuity

definition: Raised fields constructed along lake shores in Mesoamerica to increase agricultural yields significance: led to more agriculture

definition: knotted cords of various lengths and colors used by the Inca to keep financial records significance: helped to make up for lack of writing

definition: enormous earthen mound at Cahokia near East St. Louis, Illinois; built by Iroquois people for ceremonies or ritual performance significance: demonstrated Iroquois ingenuity

definition: Polynesian ceremonial precinct and temple structure; often had several terraced floors significance: demonstrated polynesian culture

definition: a chief or noble (hereditary) in Polynesian tribes significance: demonstrated hierarchy in Polynesian societies