Chapter 2
Latin America
Shaped By Its History

Section 1: Early Civilizations of Middle America

A. As You Read
Directions: As you read Section 1, fill in the table below with details about the Mayan and Aztec civilizations.

Mayan and Aztec Civilizations

	Mayan	Aztec
Location	1. Central America and southern Mexico	2. Valley of Mexico, Lake Texcoco
Peak Years	3. A.D. 300 - 900	4. A.D. 1100s - late 1400s
Main City(ies)	5. Copán and Tikal	6. Tenochtitlán
Main Achievements	7. Built pyramids; studied stars and planets; designed an accurate calendar; developed hieroglyphics and a number system	8. Developed hieroglyphics and medicines; studied stars and planets; designed jewelry, pottery, garments, sculpture

B. Reviewing Key Terms
Directions: Complete each sentence by writing the correct term in the blank provided.

9. The Mayas wrote using signs and symbols called hieroglyphics.

10. The main food of the Mayas was maize, a type of corn.