Ancient irrigation

As well as enough food, to become a civilisation, ancient people had to have a source of ...

Answer explanation

If there is not enough water, then you cannot grow a civilisation to the point that there is too much food. The people would move to a place where there was enough water or work out ways to get enough water. (e.g. Roman aqueducts)

The Mayan civilisation was located in ...

• North America

• South America

• Africa

• Asia

Answer explanation

The Mayan Civilisation was in central America, but this is a part of North America.

What does water management mean?

• Using water.

• Washing, cooking and cleaning with water.

• Having enough water for everyone to grow food.

• The control and movement of water to the right place.

What is a cistern?

• A man made river

• A man made lake

• A man made water tank to hold water.

• A building.

Answer explanation

A cistern or chultun (Mayans) was a man made hole dug to store water often from rainwater.

What is a reservoir?

• A temple where the Mayan's worshiped the gods.

• A man made lake made for holding water. These days, sometimes it can also be used for creating energy.

• A man made river. These days, sometimes it can be used for creating energy.

• A type of Mayan job.

Answer explanation

Here some archeologists have discovered what was an old reservoir (man made lake) it was the size of a football field.

How did the Mayan's die out?

• They caught a disease and died out.

• They were invaded.

• Most likely, cutting down the rainforest lead to a change in climate and caused a drought.

• They didn't like living in the jungle anymore.

Answer explanation

One of the main reasons is probably that they cut down large areas of rainforest to far causing the weather pattens to change. This lead to drought. However, scientists are discovering things all the time and there may be other reasons as well.

What did ancient civilisations use water for?

Which civilisation would you like to study for your own project?

• Ancient Egypt

• Mesopotamia (the first civilisation)

• Ancient China

• Ancient Greece

• The Mayans