Mayan Empire History

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What is one reason some scholars believe led to the abandonment of early Mayan city-states?

Climate change

Overpopulation (correct)

Introduction of advanced weaponry

Excessive trading with neighboring civilizations

What factor had a major impact on the collapse of some Mayan kingdoms, especially those in lowland regions?

Droughts (correct)

Introduction of new agricultural techniques

Increased volcanic activity

Rise in sea levels

Which modern-day country has the highest percentage of Mayan descendants?

Mexico

Belize

Honduras

Guatemala (correct)

What significant contribution did the Maya make to Mathematics?

Establishment of the number zero Signup and view all the answers

What was one common thread between ancient Mayan beliefs and some modern religions?

Practice of cremation for funerals Signup and view all the answers

What was the main similarity between the Mayan calendar and the modern-day calendar?

Annual count of 365 days Signup and view all the answers

What were some scholars not completely sure about regarding the collapse of the Maya civilization?

'A variety of these factors' causing societal collapses Signup and view all the answers

'Slash and burn' farming methods may have impacted Mayan societies' abandonment due to:

Reducing agricultural output Signup and view all the answers

What did Mayans use to represent the number zero in Mathematics?

A seashell Signup and view all the answers

What could have been a consequence of rapid population growth in early Mayan city-states during the Preclassic and Classic Periods?

Increased agricultural needs leading to sustainability challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What is a plausible reason for the collapse of Mayan settlements according to modern scholars?

Severe droughts attributed to climate change. Signup and view all the answers

Which method of farming is believed to have negatively impacted some Mayan societies' sustainability?

'Slash and burn' farming practices Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor that contributed to the ultimate downfall of Mayan civilizations?

Impact of Spanish colonization and influence Signup and view all the answers

Which region had a substantial shift in climate from wet to dry, impacting the sustainability of life in Mayan city-states?

Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize Signup and view all the answers

What is one enduring legacy of Mayan civilization that remains present in modern life today?

The number zero in Mathematics Signup and view all the answers

Which contribution of the Maya civilization is highlighted as a key element shared with modern-day calendars?

Establishment of a 365-day year count Signup and view all the answers

What religious practice from ancient Mayan beliefs had commonalities with some modern religions?

Practice of cremation for funeral rites Signup and view all the answers

What crucial factor could have led to the abandonment of some early Mayan city-states based on historical evidence?

'Slash and burn' farming techniques damaging land quality Signup and view all the answers

What impact did droughts have on some Mayan settlements during the Preclassic and Classic Periods?

Major contribution to societal collapse and abandonment Signup and view all the answers