Pre-Columbian Civilizations Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What characterized the socio-political systems of the Incan, Aztec, and Mayan cultures?

A lack of hierarchy, focusing on collective decision-making.

Democratic governance structures.

Governance based on merit and skill.

An established hierarchy headed by a king or emperor. (correct)

When did the Mayan culture reach its height?

1000 to 1200 AD.

600 to 1000 AD. (correct)

300 to 600 AD.

1200 to 1500 AD.

What was the primary basis of the cultures in Pre-Columbian America?

Hunting and gathering.

Agriculture. (correct)

Industrial production.

Fishing and trade.

Which aspect was NOT a notable development in the societies of the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas?

Space travel. Signup and view all the answers

What primary element played a critical role in the daily life of the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas?

Religious practices. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Mesoamerican ball game from other physical activities?

It includes significant sacred and ritualistic components. Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization was at its peak during the arrival of Christopher Columbus?

Incaf. Signup and view all the answers

How many game courts for the Mesoamerican ball game have been discovered?

More than 1,500. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of athletics in the context described?

Messengers serving kings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following games did NOT originate from the Aztecs?

Tepantitla Signup and view all the answers

For which of the following purposes was swimming practiced?

Hunting water birds among other uses Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Patolli from other games mentioned?

It is a board game played for gambling Signup and view all the answers

What type of vessel were Aztec canoes made of?

Wood Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Temazacalli baths?

Ritual purification and hygiene Signup and view all the answers

Which game involved players attempting to hit their opponent's marbles?

Chichinadas Signup and view all the answers

What social classes participated in playing Patolli?

All social classes Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the 'mit'a' system used by the Incas?

Extraction of resources Signup and view all the answers

What is one major aspect of Inca religion?

Focus on natural phenomena Signup and view all the answers

How did the Incas facilitate communication across their vast empire?

Network of tambos and messengers Signup and view all the answers

Which activity stimulated physical exercise among the Incas?

Religious festivals and military training Signup and view all the answers

What were Kallanka structures used for in Inca society?

Physical activities and shelter Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of playing Gayado Q'asuy?

To mark the end of communal work Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of Inca architecture can be described as cyclopean?

Massive stone constructions Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant aspect of the community involvement in Gayado Q'asuy?

Only those who worked in the fields were allowed to join Signup and view all the answers

What materials were the players' protections made from?

Leather and wood Signup and view all the answers

Which social class primarily participated in the ball game?

Upper class including nobles and priests Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the ball game played in Copán?

To get the rubber ball through the stone ring Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the possible outcomes for the captain of the losing team?

They could potentially be beheaded Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could NOT be used to hit the ball during the game?

Hands Signup and view all the answers

What was a common practice among the Mayans, related to their religious beliefs?

Human sacrifice Signup and view all the answers

What shape was most commonly associated with ball courts in the Mayan culture?

Elongated 'H' Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary economic activity of the Mayans?

Production of corn Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a player fails to hit or put the ball in motion?

Their team loses possession of the ball Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of Mayan society?

A collection of divided city-states Signup and view all the answers

How long did the Mayan civilization last?

From 2000 BC to 1546 AD Signup and view all the answers

How were ball game courts significant in the urban planning of Mayan cities?

They were spaces of great prestige and rituality Signup and view all the answers

In large courts, how was the game concluded?

When the ball was passed through the ring once Signup and view all the answers

Which item did the Mayans NOT commonly trade?

Precious stones Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a form of violation in the game?

Using elbows to hit the ball Signup and view all the answers

What type of clothing did players wear during the ball game?

Ritualistic or ceremonial attire Signup and view all the answers

What material was used to create the ball during matches?

Oak root Signup and view all the answers

How high is the mast from which the voladores hang?

20-40 metres Signup and view all the answers

What do the 13 turns performed by the voladores symbolize?

52-year cycle of the Aztec calendar Signup and view all the answers

What was the capital of the Inca Empire?

Cuzco Signup and view all the answers

What distinguished the Inca from other societal structures at the time?

Empire controlled by a single leader Signup and view all the answers

Who played a key role in the administration of the Inca Empire?

The Inca Signup and view all the answers

Who were the curacas in the Inca society?

Local chiefs with some subordinates Signup and view all the answers

What was required of all males between the ages of 16 and 50 in Inca society?

State service for a few months a year Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Didactic Unit III: Sport in Eastern Civilizations

Topic: Aztecs, Mayans, Incas
Key figures: Prof. Dr. Alejandro Leiva Arcas

History of Sport

General Historical Introduction:
- Pre-Columbian America a mosaic of cultures, from hunter-gatherers to great civilizations.
- Peoples from Northeast Asia migrated across the Bering Strait (isthmus), 40,000 BC to 25,000 BC.
- Civilizations include Mayan and Inca, as well as Aztec.
Mesoamerican Ball Game:
- A widespread physical activity in Mesoamerica (Central America).
- Played by various cultures for over 2,000 years, with over 1,500 courts found.
- The practice varied greatly across cultures.
- Common characteristics include a specific playing court, sacred and ritualistic nature, use of a solid rubber ball and teams (1vs1, 2vs2, 4vs4, 8vs8). Scoring often involved rings or points. Other characteristics like court shapes, hitting methods and duration of play varied.
Aztec Culture:
- Nomadic tribes formed a powerful empire (1325 - 1521 AD) in present-day Mexico and parts of Guatemala.
- Society organized in a class structure, with the Emperor, nobility and the priestly class at the top.
- Significant in architecture, with large pyramid-shaped temples and public works (roads, aqueducts, canals).
- Agriculture was central, notably chinampas (floating gardens).
Mayan Culture:
- Longest-lived American Civilizations (2000 BC-1546 AD), centered in the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico, Guatemala, Belize).
- Collection of independent city-states, often at war.
- Organized in a hierarchical social structure, with leaders (Aja) and nobles.
- Economy based on agriculture (corn, cotton, cocoa), with trade with nearby villages.
- Developed advanced calendar system.
- Remarkable architecture, including monumental temples.
- Practices like Pok-ta-pok a ball game and other sports, activities and dances took place.
Inca Culture:
- Most advanced civilization in South America (1438 - 1533 AD).
- Empire stretched along the Andes Mountains; included parts of present-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile and Northwest Argentina.
- Society centralized around the Inca who controlled economy, politics and military; no private property.
- Empire structured in an imperial hierarchy, with the Inca at the top
- Society had a strong social hierarchy structure, with the Inca at the top and common people below, along with nobles, priests and curacas.
- The Empire known for architecture like Machu Picchu, and extensive road network (for transportation).
- Activities included Inca hockey, steam baths, ceremonial rituals, such as Tinku and Inti Raymi.

Ball Game (juego de pelota)

Physical activity and ritual practice.
Ball was solid and heavy; varied in size (12-20 cm)
Played by teams, on courts; often ceremonial, possibly including human sacrifice for the winning teams or losses
Players protected themselves with armour and equipment
Courts varied in shape, often large open spaces; some with rings which teams tried to hit the ball through.

Specific Games and Activities

Gladiatorial games: Prisoners of war fought until defeat.
Tlachtli (Aztec Ball Game): Similar to other ball games, but differences in rules/ball-handling. Specific physical abilities required; often involved bets for participants
Huarachico (Warachikuy): A series of tests/military training/demonstrating warrior skills for young nobles to enter the army
Chasquis: Inca royal messengers who traveled along extensive road system using llama herds; essential to communication and trade
Other activities: Include Temazacalli (steam baths) and Takary (similar to hockey).
Inti Raymi: Inca festival of the sun, a 15-day ceremony involving various dances, religious ceremonies, and animal sacrifices.
Tinku: A ceremonial ritual or sport-like contest that involved physical contests, often involving alcohol by the participants.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the socio-political systems and cultural practices of the Incan, Aztec, and Mayan civilizations. This quiz covers key aspects of these ancient societies, including their achievements in athletics and their societal structures. Discover the critical elements that defined life in Pre-Columbian America.