Aztec and Maya Civilizations

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What was a main concern of the Maya religion?

The origins of the universe

The power of the Aztec Empire

The construction of pyramids

The cyclical nature of time (correct)

What feature did Aztec city-states have in common?

A single calendar system

A written language

A single ruler

Twin-stair pyramids (correct)

What was the name of the capital of the Aztec Empire?

Tlacopan

Tenochtitlán (correct)

Texcoco

Aztlan

What was the basis of power for the Aztec Empire?

The Triple Alliance Signup and view all the answers

Who was the Aztec ruler who consolidated power within the Valley of Mexico?

Motecuhzoma I Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the alliances between city-states in the Valley of Mexico?

The formation of the Triple Alliance Signup and view all the answers

What was the term used by the Aztecs to refer to themselves?

The Mexica Signup and view all the answers

What makes the Codex Azcatitlan unique compared to other Aztec histories?

It records indigenous memories from the pre-Hispanic past Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Florentine Codex according to Bernardino de Sahagún?

To provide a detailed view of Aztec life Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the chinampas agricultural system?

To produce food for local communities Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the destruction of Aztec writings by the Spanish after the Conquest?

The Aztec culture and history were lost forever Signup and view all the answers

Where is the most famous present-day chinampas system located?

Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City Signup and view all the answers

Who was the leader of the Mexica encountered by the Spanish?

Motecuhzoma II Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Codex Mendoza?

To show the social mobility and education of Aztec boys and girls Signup and view all the answers

How are chinampas traditionally built?

Based on oral wisdom transmitted since the time of the Aztecs Signup and view all the answers

What was the term used to refer to the 'People from Aztlan', the mythical place of origin for Nahua peoples?

The Aztec Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant impact of the chinampa system on local food production?

It has brought new land under cultivation and increased labor inputs Signup and view all the answers

Why is the chinampa system considered significant globally?

It is an important source of food for one of the most populated cities on the planet Signup and view all the answers

What was a characteristic of the ruling dynasties of Tikal and Calakmul?

Control over large labor forces Signup and view all the answers

What type of signs did Maya glyphs combine?

Logographic and phonetic Signup and view all the answers

What was recorded by Maya glyphs?

The birth, ascension to power, marriages, significant alliances, war histories, and death of Maya kings Signup and view all the answers

What did the shell glyph in Maya writing represent?

Zero Signup and view all the answers

What was a basic household item in Maya households?

Salt Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a rare and exotic trade good in Mesoamerica?

Salt Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the ritual version of the Mesoamerican ballgame?

It reenacted the Hero Twins' ballgame victory over the death gods Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of war captives in the ritual version of the Mesoamerican ballgame?

They were sacrificed after the game Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the large ditch and steep bank around Tikal?

It was a defense mechanism Signup and view all the answers

What was a factor that contributed to the Maya collapse?

Prolonged drought Signup and view all the answers

What was the time period of the Terminal Classic Maya?

AD 900 – 1100 Signup and view all the answers

What was the strategic advantage of the Terminal Classic capital Chichén Itzá?

It was located near sea coast routes Signup and view all the answers