Mesoamerican Civilizations

What statement about ancient American civilizations expresses a historical theory rather than a historical fact?

• Inca lacked a written language

• The spread of disease caused the downfall of the Mayan empire.

• Human sacrifice was an aspect of Aztec religion.

• The pyramid of the sun was located at Teotihuacan.

A major reason for the end of the Aztec Empire was

• the refusal of the people to obey their leaders.

• a conflict with the Inca Empire.

• the technology of the Spanish conquistadors.

• political corruption and an unstable government.

The archaeological evidence found at the Mesoamerican sites at Technochtitlan and Macchu Picchu suggests that these societies

• consisted of hunters and gatherers.

• were highly developed and organized cultures.

• practiced a monotheistic religion.

• followed a democratic system.

The Aztec use of the calendar and the Maya writing system both illustrate that pre-Columbian cultures in the Americas

• traded extensively with Africa.

• flourished prior to European contact.

• declined because of invasion and disease.

• converted others to Islam

The location of the Inca civilization of South America demonstrates the

• importance of trade with western Europe.

• ability of humans to adapt to the environment.

• influence of cultural diversity.

• complexity of indigenous belief systems.

A study of the achievements of the pre-Colombian Mesoamerican cultures would show that they

• sustained dense population through intensive agriculture.

• engaged in an extensive exploration of the Pacific Ocean.

• built vehicles with wheels to transport goods.

• developed rice paper and wood-block printing.

Which situation was an immediate cause for the collapse of the Aztec empire?

• disruption of overseas trade networks

• conquest by foreigners

• a series of crop failures

• a lack of military training

Which of the following was NOT common to the Maya, Aztec and Inca?

• polytheism

• pyramids and temples

• paying taxes

• writing

All of the following were engineering feats of the Inca except

• swinging bridges

• terracing

• roads

• causeways connecting the island to the mainland.

Maya writing was called

• Hieroglyphics

• Mita

• cuneiform

• alphabet