Civilizations of the Early Americans

Which allowed the Maya to make more exact astronomical calculations?

• nearby mountains

• the telescope

• tall pyramids

• the number zero

What was the significance of the road system to the Inca?

• It was a means for everyday travel by average citizens.

• It made it difficult to expand the empire.

• It allowed for government communication across the empire.

• It brought a steady stream of conquerors.

What were the characteristics of religion in Inca society?

• The high priest was usually royalty.

• The Inca society worshipped a Moon god.

• It held gold as having magical properties.

• The emperor avoided religious functions

What was the core of the mita labor system in Inca society?

• Most people paid taxes to the emperor with agricultural goods.

• Most people were expected to work a certain amount for the empire.

• The emperor ensured that wealth was shared fairly across society.

• The empire contributed to the income of manual laborers.

Which were similar cultural characteristics of the Olmec and the Maya cultures?

• dense cities and a diet of maize

• sun worship and dense cities

• use of the cacao plant and sun worship

• a diet of maize and use of the cacao plant

Which BEST characterizes the Maya calendar?

• apart from religious meanings

• very basic compared to calendars today

• based on complex calculations

• produced in isolation

Which likely originated in the Olmec culture?

• the structure of ancient pyramids

• the basis of Maya culture

• the city-states of later empires

• an ancient ball game

What is considered a characteristic of the Olmec civilization?

• trade-focused

• large cities

• astronomy

• colossal heads

Which BEST describes the economy of Inca society?

• It was based on one cash crop—quinoa.

• Agriculture was not as important as trade because of its geography.

• Goods became the property of the ruling elites to redistribute.

• It avoided any sort of taxation.

Which BEST describes the Inca government?

• A council of important Inca religious leaders met to make decisions.

• The Sapa Inca was the supreme religious and political leader.

• A system divided power between local military rulers and the emperor.

• The Inca-elected council members represented local Inca concerns.