The decline or weakening of Mesoamerican civilizations can be attributed to two "natural" causes in addition to deliberate attacks by Spanish invaders. What were these two causes? 1. lack of agricultural skill and loss of fertile farmland
2. overpopulation and lack of domesticated animals
3. infectious diseases and drought
4. floods and an earthquake

How did the church gain secular power? a) monks forced massive numbers of people to convert through fear of punishment. b) the church issued interdicts, laws passed by the church regardless of secular law. c) the church's power to deny the sacraments gave the church power over christians. d) canon law established secular courts under the control of the church.