Ancient Civilizations in the Americas

Front

Which civilization invented the concept of zero? Options: Aztec, Inca, Maya

Back

Maya

Answer explanation

The Maya civilization is credited with inventing the concept of zero, which was a significant advancement in mathematics. They used a shell symbol to represent zero in their vigesimal (base-20) number system.

Front

Which civilization lived in the white area on the map?

Back

Inca

Answer explanation

The Inca civilization thrived in the Andean region of South America, which is typically represented in white on maps. The Aztec and Maya civilizations were located in Mesoamerica, not in the area indicated.

Front

This civilization performed the LEAST amount of human sacrifices. Options: Aztec, Inca, Maya

Back

Inca

Answer explanation

The Inca civilization performed the least amount of human sacrifices compared to the Aztec and Maya, who were known for their more frequent and ritualistic sacrifices to appease their gods.

Front

Hieroglyphics are

Back

A form of writing using pictures rather than letters.

Answer explanation

Hieroglyphics are a form of writing that uses pictures to represent sounds and ideas, distinguishing them from alphabetic systems. This makes the first choice the correct answer.

Front

How did the Mayan civilization end?

Back

It’s a mystery

Answer explanation

The decline of the Mayan civilization remains largely a mystery. While factors like war, drought, and famine may have played roles, the exact reasons for their collapse are still debated among historians and archaeologists.

Front

A major city of the Incas was

Back

Cuzco

Answer explanation

Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire and a major city, while Tenochtitlan was the capital of the Aztec Empire, and Tikal and Copan were significant Mayan cities. Thus, Cuzco is the correct answer.

Front

Which two ancient civilizations were located in Central America?

Back

Mayan and Aztec

Answer explanation

The Mayan and Aztec civilizations were both located in Central America, known for their advanced cultures and contributions to architecture, mathematics, and astronomy. The Incan civilization was primarily in South America.

Front

This civilization did not have a written language, therefore they used quipus, which are colored, knotted strings used to record information.

Back

Inca

Answer explanation

The Inca civilization used quipus, which are knotted strings, to record information since they did not have a written language. The Maya and Aztec had their own writing systems, making Inca the correct choice.

Front

This civilization built its capital city of Tenochtitlan on an island in a lake.

Back

Aztec

Answer explanation

The Aztec civilization built its capital, Tenochtitlan, on an island in Lake Texcoco. This unique location allowed for strategic advantages and resource access, distinguishing it from the Maya and Inca civilizations.

Front

Which civilization built chinampas, or floating gardens?

Back

Aztec

Answer explanation

The Aztec civilization is known for building chinampas, or floating gardens, to enhance agricultural production in the swampy areas of Lake Texcoco. This innovative farming technique allowed them to grow crops efficiently.