Early American Civilizations Mid-Unit Content Assessment

The Maya and Aztec civilizations were located in ______. The Inca civilization was located in ______.

• North America; Central America

• Mesoamerica; South America

• Central America; South America

• South America; Mesoamerica

Match some of the key features of the regions where the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations were located.

Groups:

(a) Maya

,

(b) Aztec

,

(c) Inca

• Valley of Mexico with a variety of animals

• They divided the empire into four areas, or quarters, some much larger than others.

• Included Yucatán Peninsula

• Built their main city on two swampy islands in the middle of Lake Texcoco.

• Cenotes or natural wells for fresh water

• Andes Mountains with a variety of animals

• Variety of animals

The text states, “The Maya found clever ways to meet the challenges of their diverse landscapes.” Circle an example that supports the statement.

• In dry areas, the Maya built aqueducts to bring water from other regions.

• In lowland areas, the Maya created raised-earth platforms and canals to redirect and reuse the water.

• The Maya used quetzal feathers to decorate headdresses.

• The rain and mud of the rainforest presented many challenges.

The text states, “Cities were hubs of commerce where people shared ideas and traded goods.” What does commerce mean in this sentence?

• the beliefs, traditions, and way of life shared by a group of people

• a large territory or group of people under the total control of one ruler or government

• an activity done for pleasure or sport

• the buying and selling of goods and services

Circle the correct statement about Maya developments and achievements.

• The Maya civilization declined due to many wars.

• The Maya developed a number system and a written language.

• The Maya developed their own currency in the form of paper money, which was used throughout the civilization.

• The Maya created Tenochtitlán, a well-planned city with aqueducts and causeways.

One of the most advanced pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas, the Maya, crumbled. Why?

• The change was gradual and probably resulted from a combination of things.

• A lack of rainfall led to serious drought conditions.

• The Maya chopped down trees, destroying the ecological balance of the region.

• War amongst city-states and an epidemic led to a significant decrease in the Maya population.

Which of the following is a characteristic of myths?

• They help explain the facts about how and why things happen.

• They are songs that people sing.

• They are passed along from one generation to the next.

• They record the history of a group of people.

According to the Maya creation myth, the Creators and Makers attempted to make people out of three different materials. Two attempts failed and the third was successful. Which material did they use to successfully create people?

• clay

• stone

• corn

• wood