| A | B |
|---|
| clan | a group of families that shares a common ancestor |
| cultural diffusion | the process by which cultures interact and ideas spread from one area to another |
| cultural hearth | a place from which new ideas, practices, and technology spread |
| maize | a type of corn first domesticated by early Mesoamericans |
| matrilineal | relating to descendants traced through the mother |
| metallurgy | the science of obtaining metals in their natural form and preparing them for use |
| staple | a main crop produced in a specific place |
| surplus | more than is required or necessary; extra |
| city | a political, economic, and cultural center with a large population |
| civilization | a society with a highly developed culture and technology |
| government | an organization set up to make and enforce rules in society |
| record keeping | the practice of organizing and storing information |
| religion | the belief in and worship of one or more gods and godesses |
| scribe | a professional writer who recorded official information |
| specialized worker | a person who performs a job other than farming, such as metalworking or toolmaking |
| temple | a place of worship |
| trade | the exchange of goods |
