What is the definition of these words?

1. Terrace

2. Slash-and-burn agriculture

3. Geoglyph

4. Cenote

5. Earthworks

6. Codex

7. Chinampa

8. Maize

9. Mother culture

10. Compulsory education

11. Quipu

1 answer

1. Terrace: a flat platform or raised embankment, usually constructed on a slope, typically used for cultivation or as a seating area.

2. Slash-and-burn agriculture: a method of farming where vegetation is cut down and burned before planting crops. The ashes from the burned vegetation add nutrients to the soil, allowing for temporary farming in the cleared area.

3. Geoglyph: a large design or motif made on the ground, typically using stones, gravel, or earth, forming shapes or patterns that are visible from above.

4. Cenote: a natural sinkhole, typically found in limestone regions, filled with water. Cenotes are important water sources and often have cultural and historical significance.

5. Earthworks: engineering works created by shaping or manipulating the landscape, usually done by moving or removing soil, rocks, or other materials. Examples of earthworks include trenches, ditches, embankments, and mounds.

6. Codex: a bound manuscript book, typically referring to ancient handwritten texts or manuscripts, especially those written before the invention of the printing press.

7. Chinampa: a traditional agricultural system used by the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures, involving small, rectangular areas of fertile land created by dredging or piling up mud from the bottoms of lakes or swamps.

8. Maize: commonly known as corn, maize is a cereal grain that originated in Mesoamerica. It is a staple food in many cultures and is used in various forms, including as a grain, flour, or sweet corn.

9. Mother culture: refers to a civilization or culture that is believed to have heavily influenced or laid the foundation for the development and characteristics of subsequent cultures or civilizations.

10. Compulsory education: a system of education where attendance is legally required and enforced for a certain age range or educational level. It typically refers to the obligation for children to attend school for a specific period.

11. Quipu: an ancient Inca recording device consisting of a series of strings or ropes with various colors and knots. Quipus were used for numerical and narrative data storage and communication.