Ancient Civilizations Vocabulary

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Terrace Farming

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A farming method where flat steps are carved into mountainsides to grow crops in steep areas.

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Quipu

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A series of knotted strings used by the Inca to keep records and communicate without writing.

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Machu Picchu

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A famous Inca city built high in the Andes Mountains; likely a royal estate or religious center.

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Cuzco

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The capital of the Inca Empire and a major center of religion, government, and culture.

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Road System

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Over 24,000 miles of roads built by the Inca to connect their vast empire, used for communication and travel.

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City-State

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An independent city that governed itself and surrounding areas, like Tikal and Copán in Maya territory.

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Glyph

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A symbol in the Maya writing system used to represent sounds, words, or ideas.

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Codex

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A Maya book made of bark paper that recorded information on religion, history, and astronomy.

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Calendar Round

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A 52-year calendar cycle combining the sacred and solar calendars used by the Maya.

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Chichen Itza

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A major Maya city known for its pyramid, the Temple of Kukulkan, and advanced astronomy.