Mayan Vocabulary Quiz

A pyramid is a place of worship

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The correct answer is False because a pyramid is typically a structure used for burial or commemorative purposes, not worship.

What were the two items that were commonly traded, and what were they?

He also wore bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and what the archaeologists believe to be a funerary mask with eyes made of green obsidian.

• glass formed by the cooling of lava with crystallization

• mixture containing two or more metallic elements

• fiber of a palm tree, used in weaving

• large oval tropical fruit having smooth skin

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'glass formed by the cooling of lava with crystallization' as the funerary mask had eyes made of green obsidian, which is a type of volcanic glass formed by the cooling of lava with crystallization.

Some farmers are also beginning to grow a variety of crops in case their maize harvest fails.

• tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels on large ears

• tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches

• an aromatic annual or perennial herb or shrub

• a aromatic gum resin formerly valued for worship

Answer explanation

The correct choice describes maize, a tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels on large ears, which aligns with the statement about farmers growing a variety of crops in case their maize harvest fails.

What would one do with a codex?

• eat it

• ride it

• read it

• play it

Answer explanation

One would read a codex. Codex is a historical manuscript or book, typically handwritten, rather than printed.

Who is engaged in the act of worship?

• a patient asking his doctor questions

• a child choosing a dog from a shelter

• a custodian cleaning a school

• a nun praying at a holy place

Answer explanation

The correct choice is a nun praying at a holy place, as worship typically involves religious or spiritual practices such as prayer.

What is a city-state?

• A society that has a large population, labor is divided among others, and people have specialization with their jobs

• Large monument with a square base and four triangular sides

• An independent nation comprised of a single town

• A geographic region in the western hemisphere that was home of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations.

• An area in southeastern Mexico where some of the Maya civilization developed.

Answer explanation

A city-state is an independent nation comprised of a single town, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Drought means:

• the state of the economy declines

• status established in order of importance or urgency

• a shortage of rainfall

• a desirable state

Answer explanation

Drought means a shortage of rainfall, not the state of the economy declining, status established in order of importance or urgency, or a desirable state.

Who would most likely work in an observatory?

• a bookbinder

• a ballerina

• a surgeon

• an astronomer

Answer explanation

An astronomer would most likely work in an observatory because they study celestial bodies and phenomena in space.

Complex societies

• societies with large populations, an extensive division of labor, and occupational specialization

• The main king or lord of a Maya city-state.

• a common item traded, a gem

• large monument with a square base and four triangular sides

Answer explanation

Complex societies are characterized by large populations, an extensive division of labor, and occupational specialization, making the first answer choice the correct one.