Civilizations of the New World

Which of the following civilizations was located in the Yucatan Peninsula?

• Inca

• Aztec

• Maya

• Olmec

Answer explanation

The Maya civilization was located in the Yucatan Peninsula, which is modern day southeastern Mexico. The other options listed, namely the Inca, Aztec and Olmec civilizations, were located in different regions. The Inca were predominantly in the Andean region of South America, the Aztec in central Mexico, and the Olmec in the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico.

Which civilization built the capital city of Tenochtitlan?

• Maya

• Inca

• Aztec

• Olmec

Answer explanation

The capital city of Tenochtitlan was built by the Aztec civilization, not the Maya, Inca or Olmec. The Aztecs thrived in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century. Their impressive city was located on an island in Lake Texcoco, which is in the present-day Mexico City area.

Which civilization had a writing system called khipu?

• Maya

• Inca

• Aztec

• Olmec

Answer explanation

The Khipu (also spelled 'quipu') was a system of knots and strings used by the Inca civilization of South America for record keeping. It was not a writing system like those used by the Maya or Aztecs. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Inca'.

Which civilization practiced slash and burn agriculture in the Yucatan Peninsula?

• Maya

• Inca

• Aztec

• Olmec

Answer explanation

Slash and burn agriculture, also known as shifting cultivation, was practiced by the Maya civilization who inhabited the Yucatan Peninsula. This method involves cutting down and burning of forest or woodland to create fields. The ashes resulting from burning would then enrich the soil. Other civilizations mentioned, namely the Inca, Aztec, and Olmec, were based in different geographical locations and had different agricultural practices.

Which civilization lasted the longest before the Spanish arrived?

• Maya

• Inca

• Aztec

• Olmec

Answer explanation

The Maya civilization lasted the longest among the given options. While the Inca and Aztec civilizations were indeed prominent, they didn't last as long as the Maya civilization before the Spanish arrived. The Olmec civilization, although ancient, didn't last as long either. Hence, the correct answer to the question is the Maya civilization.

Which civilization was known for their capital city being built on an island with canals?

• Maya

• Inca

• Aztec

• Olmec

Answer explanation

The Aztec civilization is known for their capital city, Tenochtitlan, which was built on an island in Lake Texcoco. The city was interconnected by canals. The other listed civilizations, Maya, Inca, and Olmec, did not have their capital cities built in this manner.

Which civilization had a game called Pok-A-Tok?

• Maya

• Inca

• Aztec

• Olmec

Answer explanation

The game Pok-A-Tok was actually played by the Aztec civilization, not the Maya, Inca, or Olmec. This game was an important part of their culture and had both religious and social significance.

Which civilization had a highly efficient central government?

• Maya

• Inca

• Aztec

• Olmec

Answer explanation

The Inca civilization had a highly efficient central government. They had an emperor at the top, followed by a hierarchy of officials who managed provinces and local districts. This allowed for effective communication and implementation of policies across their vast empire, making them the correct answer to the question.

Which civilization had a network of suspension bridges made from woven fibers?

• Maya

• Inca

• Aztec

• Olmec

Answer explanation

The Inca civilization, which thrived in ancient South America, is renowned for its advanced and sophisticated infrastructure including an extensive network of suspension bridges. These were constructed using woven fibers, highlighting the Incas' engineering prowess. None of the other options listed, Maya, Aztec, or Olmec, are known for such a network of suspension bridges.

Which civilization experienced a decline due to droughts and lack of water?

• Maya

• Inca

• Aztec

• Olmec

Answer explanation

The Maya civilization, which was highly sophisticated and advanced, is known to have experienced a drastic decline due to long periods of drought. They heavily depended on seasonal rainfall for their agriculture and survival. The lack of water led to crop failures and starvation, which in turn led to sociopolitical instability, ultimately causing their downfall.