The Collapse of the Mayan Civilization Vocabulary

1. Civilization- The stage of human social development and

organization that is considered most advanced.

2. Ruins- The remains of a building, typically an old one that has

suffered much damage or disintegration.

3. Warfare- Engagement in or the activities involved in war or

conflict.
4. Siege- A military operation in which enemy forces surround a town
or building, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling
the surrender of those inside.

5. Pre-Columbian- Of or relating to the history and cultures of the

Americas before the arrival of Columbus in 1492.

6. Militarism- The belief or desire of a government or people that a

country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to
use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.
7. Elite- A group of people considered (by others or themselves) to be
the best in a particular society or category, especially because of their
power, talent, or wealth.

8. Mono-cropping- Agricultural practice of growing a single crop year

after year on the same land, in the absence of rotation through other
crops or growing multiple crops on the same land.

9. Slash-and-burn farming- Farming method that involves the

cutting and burning of plants in a forest or woodland to create a field
called a swidden.
10. Over-Farming- When you harvest something to the point of
diminishing return.