Mesoamerican Academic Vocabulary

Plaza/Ceremonial Centers

Ceremonial Centers- An area where people would gather for religious ceremonies.

Sacrifice

Sacrifice-a ritual act in which an offering (gift) is made to a god(s) in order to please the divine god(s). • Sample offerings: humans or animals (blood offerings) or fruits, crops, flowers, and food or

drink (bloodless offerings).

Deities

Deities- another word for a god. • The term is often used to describe the gods in polytheistic religions.

Maize

Maize- another word for corn.• Did you know, that maize pollen can last for thousands of years.

Glyphs

Glyphs- a type of hieroglyphics where picture-symbols represent objects, ideas, and sounds.

Conquistador

Conquistador- powerful soldiers on a mission to gain wealth $ and territory for the nation of Spain by conquering other peoples. (Spanish Conquerors)

Codex or Codices (singular & plural)

Codex- A type of book that recorded aspects of Mayan daily life. Only four codices have survived.• Did you know, that each codex is constructed of folded paper made from the bark of fig

trees. The codices are covered in jaguar skin. • They include information about subjects as different as astronomy, religious practices,

pottery making, weaving, & hunting.

Cacao (Cocoa Beans)

Cacao (Cocoa Beans)-A bean which has a lot of uses for food, drink, medicine, and even cosmetic use.• Did you know that cocoa butter is used in medications, cosmetics, and soaps. The pulverized residue, which is

called cocoa, is used in beverages and as a flavoring. Chocolate is also derived from cocoa beans too.

Underworld

Underworld- fearsome and dreaded place in Mesoamerican myths. The underworld was for people who escaped a violent death, not a place for bad “sinners”. People who died violently, went directly to one of the heavens.

Cenotes

Cenotes- deep, natural wells that the Mayans built their cities near because of the lack of rivers in the region.

Terrace Farming

Terrace Farming-a method of growing crops on the sides of hills or mountains. To do this, people grade the steep land into a series of level terraces or benches.

Storytelling

Storytelling- someone who tells or writes stories.

Slash and Burn Farming

Slash and Burn Farming- Mayan’s would cut and burn part of the rain forest to provide land for growing crops. This was only good for up to 3 years and then the fields were left fallow (unplanted) to rejuvenate.

Symbolism

Symbolism- the use of symbols to express or represent ideas or qualities in literature and art.