Flashcard 4.1 (Civilizations of Middle America )

Front

What happened to the Maya after their Classic Period (their 'golden age')?

Back

They continued to exist in remote locations.

Answer explanation

After the Classic Period, the Maya did not disappear but continued to exist in remote locations, adapting to changing conditions. They maintained their culture and traditions, contrary to the idea of complete extinction.

Front

Possible theories about why people first settled the Americas.

Back

Humans crossed a land bridge that existed across what is now the Bering Strait.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that humans crossed a land bridge across the Bering Strait, known as Beringia, which connected Asia to North America during the last Ice Age, allowing migration into the Americas.

Front

The large monuments and temples of the Olmec are evidence that...

Back

the Olmec developed an advanced civilization that was capable of organizing large pools of labor.

Answer explanation

The large monuments and temples of the Olmec indicate their ability to organize significant labor forces, reflecting an advanced civilization capable of complex societal structures and large-scale projects.

Front

Which of the following was NOT domesticated by Mesoamerican farmers? Maize, Beans, Squash, Bananas, Avocados

Back

Bananas

Answer explanation

Bananas were not domesticated by Mesoamerican farmers; they originated in Southeast Asia. In contrast, maize, beans, squash, and avocados were key crops developed by Mesoamerican agricultural practices.

Front

What is one reason why only a few Maya books on bark paper remain?

Back

Spanish conquerors burned most of the books because they were not written by Christians.

Answer explanation

Spanish conquerors burned many Maya books because they were not written in a Christian context, leading to the loss of most of these valuable historical texts.

Front

What is the main difference between the Aztec and Maya regarding the governing of their societies?

Back

The Maya lived in individual city-states, while the Aztec were unified under one leader

Answer explanation

The main difference is that the Maya were organized into individual city-states, each with its own ruler, while the Aztec civilization was unified under a single leader, creating a more centralized government.

Front

What is one way in which the Olmec influenced the Maya and the Aztec?

Back

The Olmec built the first Mesoamerican pyramids, a form used by both the Maya and the Aztec.

Answer explanation

The Olmec were the first to construct Mesoamerican pyramids, which significantly influenced both the Maya and Aztec in their architectural practices, making this the correct choice.

Front

According to the textbook, when did humans first migrate to the Americas?

Back

During the last ice age 12,000 to 10,000 years ago

Answer explanation

Humans first migrated to the Americas during the last ice age, specifically between 12,000 to 10,000 years ago, as this period allowed for the formation of land bridges due to lower sea levels.

Front

____ is the oldest known Mesoamerican civilization, existing from roughly 1,200 to 400 BCE. Aztecs, Inca, Maya, Olmecs, Zapotecs

Back

Olmecs

Answer explanation

The Olmecs are recognized as the oldest known Mesoamerican civilization, existing from around 1,200 to 400 BCE, predating the Aztecs, Maya, and Zapotecs, making them the correct answer.

Front

Where was maize originally grown?

Back

Mesoamerica

Answer explanation

Maize, also known as corn, was originally grown in Mesoamerica, which includes parts of modern-day Mexico and Central America. This region is recognized as the birthplace of maize cultivation.