The Americas

Lesson 1​ ​Civilizations of Middle America

Key Terms
Mesoamerica- ​historical region and cultural area in North America.
maize- ​corn.
Olmec-​ the first Meso-American civilization.
stela- ​an upright stone slab or column typically bearing a commemorative
inscription or relief design, often serving as a gravestone.
Valley of Mexico-​ highlands plateau in central Mexico
Tenochtitlan-​ large Mexica altepetl in what is now the center of Mexico City.
chinampa- ​type of Mesoamerican agriculture which used small, rectangular areas
of fertile arable land to grow crops on the shallow lake beds in the Valley of
Mexico.
tribute- ​Payment that conquered people many be forced to pay their conquerors.
Teotihuacan- ​ancient Mesoamerican city, “the place where gods were created”.

Academic Vocabulary
ingenious: ​clever, original, effective

Lesson Objectives
1. Explain when and where people first settled the Americas.
2. Analyze the rise of the Olmec civilization.
3.​ Describe the major developments of the Maya and Aztec civilizations.
4. Explain how prior civilizations influenced the Maya and Aztec.

Civilizations Develop in the Americas: ​Text

1. Summarize ​The text identifies the two prevalent theories on how human
beings migrated from Asia to the Americas. Summarize these two theories.
Scientists theorized that the first people walked to the America were from Asia
using a frozen land bridge from the Bering Strait. The second theory stated the
first people arrived in the Americas 15,000 years ago and continued to grow by
travelers along the Pacific Coast using boats to travel.

2. Determine Meaning of Words ​Read the section titled “Farming Begins.”

Based on the context, what does the term “domesticated” mean? Why was the
ability to cultivate domestic plants and animals an important part of the evolution
of civilization in the Americas?​ ​Domesticated means to adapt wild plants and
animals for human use. The ability to cultivate plants and animals made the
process of transforming into farming from being nomad.
3. Cite Evidence ​Read the second paragraph under “Influence of the Olmec.”
The text states, “…many scholars consider the Olmec the ‘mother culture’ of
Mesoamerica….” What evidence from the text supports this evidence?​The
Olmec are known as the "mother culture" because they were influential on
others. The use of pyramids and other arts influenced religious and political
means as well as culture.
The Maya: ​Text
4. Summarize ​Read the section under the heading “Farming Methods.” The text
states that the Maya “…developed two farming methods that allowed them to
thrive in the tropical environment.” Summarize these two methods.​The Maya
used the process of slash and burn to make areas to grow crops. They also
terraced the mountainsides for planting.
5. Draw Inferences ​How did the development of city-states contribute to the
cultural advancement of the Maya?​ ​The Maya cities became powerful city-states
Maya Cultural Life: ​Text
6. Determine Meaning of Words ​Read the first paragraph under “Maya Cultural
Life.” Based on the context, what does the term “polytheistic” mean? Why is it
important to know that the Maya were a polytheistic society? ​Polytheistic means
believing in many gods. The Maya believed in many gods instead of one.
7. Using Visual Materials ​Read the second paragraph under “A Legacy in
Stone,” and look at the accompanying image of a stela. How does the image
increase your understanding of the explanation of a stela found in the text?
The Aztec: ​Text
8. Identify Supporting Details ​Read the first paragraph of “Government and
Society.” The text states, “War brought immense wealth as well as power to the
Aztec empire.” Identify details from the text that help support this statement.​ ​The
Aztecs used tributes to gain wealth and power from society which furthered their
expansion as an empire.
9.​ ​Compare and Contrast ​Compare and contrast the Maya and Aztec
civilizations. Consider topics such as religion, government, advancements in
technology and understanding, and cultural innovation. Use the chart below for
your answer.

How are they alike?​ ​They both believed in more than one god, and
used agriculture to forge. They also built pyramid structures as a way
to give gods their status.
The Aztec different-​ The Aztecs spoke Nahuatl and lived in central
Mexico.

The Maya different-​ The Maya spoke Maya and lived in southern
Mexico and northern Central America.