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Mesoamerica
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Mesoamerica | The pre-Columbian civilizations of Central and South America. |
| polytheistic | The belief of many gods. |
| indigenous (native) | The original people of a land. |
| tribes | A social group made up of many families that share the same language, customs, and beliefs. |
| maize | Corn; The main ingredient in Mesoamerican diet. |
| human sacrifice | The act of killing humans as a ritual to please the gods or ruler. |
| tributes | An act or gift that shows gratitude and respect to someone. |
| Pre-Columbian | The time in Mesoamerica before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. |
| elevation | The height above sea level. |
| conquest | An invasion or takeover. |
| smallpox | A contagious disease of fever and a rash of pimples that killed many natives. |
| genocide | The killing of a large number of people. |