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Questions and Answers
What does the name 'Olmec' mean in Nahuatl?
In which modern-day states did the Olmec civilization primarily thrive?
What evidence suggests the Olmec practiced human sacrifice?
What was the most important astronomical object to the Mayans?
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How many glyphs made up the written language of the Maya?
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What unique quality did the Mesoamerican ritual calendar use?
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What goods did the Olmec primarily trade?
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What type of structures did the Olmec construct?
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What advancement in agriculture did the Mayans make?
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How did the Mayans accomplish their architectural feats without metal tools?
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Study Notes
Olmec Civilization
- Emerged as the first significant Mesoamerican civilization from around 1200 to 400 B.C.
- Located along the southern Gulf coast of Mexico, primarily in Veracruz and Tabasco.
- "Olmec" translates to "rubber people" in Nahuatl, the Aztec language.
- Constructed sophisticated city-temple complexes including San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan, La Venta, Tres Zapotes, and Laguna de los Cerros.
- Evidence indicates practices of human sacrifice and cannibalism within their society.
- Engaged in trade, exchanging goods such as obsidian, ceramics, jade, serpentine, mica, rubber, pottery, feathers, and polished mirrors of limonite and magnetite.
Mayan Achievements
- Significant advancements in agriculture and technology were made by the Maya.
- Developed an understanding of astronomy, allowing them to track stellar and planetary movements.
- Excelled in predicting celestial events, including eclipses.
- Venus was regarded as the most crucial astronomical object by the Maya.
- Created an accurate 260-day ritual calendar, with each day named and represented by unique symbols.
- The written language consisted of approximately 800 glyphs, depicting words or syllables, facilitating complex communication.
- Demonstrated engineering prowess by constructing elaborate temples and cities without metal tools.
- Believed to have been engaged in the production of rubber products from local sources.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the Olmec civilization, one of the earliest Mesoamerican cultures. This quiz will explore key aspects of their society, including trade, architecture, and cultural practices. Discover fascinating details about their historical significance and contributions to Mesoamerican history.
