History of Pandemics and Civilizations

A disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, transmitted by fleas living on rodents. Millions died in Europe during the 14th century.

Fleas on rats, which were common in Europe at the time

Massive population decline across Europe due to the high death toll from the Black Death.

Monasteries provided a vital role in education during the Middle Ages, maintaining libraries and educating monks.

Major area of the world where the Mayan civilization flourished.

A popular ball game played by the ancient Maya, involving a rubber ball and a court with hoops.

The ancient Maya were organized into independent city-states, each with its own ruler and territory.

The capital city of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco.

Spaniards, led by Hernán Cortés, were responsible for the conquest of the Aztec and Inca empires.

The Spanish conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire.

The Aztec emperor who was killed by his own people after being taken prisoner by the Spanish.

Floating gardens created by the Aztec in Lake Texcoco to expand agricultural land.

South America is where the Inca civilization flourished.

The Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Inca empire in South America.

A lost Inca city and citadel, located high in the Andes Mountains, rediscovered in the 20th century.

The Andes Mountains are the longest mountain range in the world, and they were central to the Inca civilization.

Corn or maize was a staple food for the Inca, along with beans and squash.

The Inca did not have a written language, but they used knotted strings called quipus to record information.

The Inca used terraced farming, creating steps on the slopes of mountains to cultivate crops.

In Inca religion, Inti was the most important god, representing the sun.