Aztecs, Mayans and Conquistadors

What is an empire?

• A religious building

• A writing system that uses symbols

• Country controlled by one ruler

• Area that has its own government

Answer explanation

An empire is typically defined as a large political unit or state, often ruled by a single sovereign authority. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Country controlled by one ruler', as it encapsulates the essence of an empire.

What is a temple?

• A writing system that uses symbols

• Religious building

• Surrender of something

• Area that has its own government

Answer explanation

A temple is primarily defined as a religious building where worship and rituals take place, making 'Religious building' the correct answer. The other options do not accurately describe what a temple is.

Did the Maya civilization have a single ruler for the entire region?

• Yes, they had one ruler

• No, each city-state had its own ruler

• Yes, they were united politically

• No, they were ruled by a council

Answer explanation

The Maya civilization was composed of numerous city-states, each with its own ruler. This decentralized political structure meant that there was no single ruler for the entire region.

What could the Mayan calendar help find thousands of years in the past or future?

• The position of stars

• The day of the week

• The time of day

• The season

Answer explanation

The Mayan calendar is designed to track cycles of time, including the days of the week. It allows for precise calculations of dates, making it useful for determining the day of the week thousands of years in the past or future.

Which of the following is NOT an accomplishment of the Mayans?

• Developing a number system

• Creating an accurate calendar

• Building the Eiffel Tower

• Understanding moon phases

Answer explanation

The Mayans are known for their achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and calendar systems. However, they did not build the Eiffel Tower, which is a 19th-century structure in France, making it the correct answer.

What was Tenochtitlan known for when it was captured?

• Being the smallest city

• Being the biggest city in the world

• Having the most temples

• Being the oldest city

Answer explanation

Tenochtitlan was known for being the biggest city in the world at the time of its capture by the Spanish in 1521. Its size and complexity made it a remarkable urban center, surpassing other cities globally.

What was placed on the mats to create chinampas?

• Sand

• Mud

• Rocks

• Leaves

Answer explanation

Chinampas, a form of ancient agriculture, were created by placing mud on mats to build up the land. This mud helped to retain moisture and provide nutrients for crops, making it the correct choice.

What happened to the losing team in Ullamaliztli?

• They were decapitated

• They were exiled

• They were imprisoned

• They were fined

Answer explanation

In the ancient Mesoamerican ballgame Ullamaliztli, the losing team faced severe consequences, often resulting in decapitation, which was seen as a form of sacrifice. This highlights the game's cultural significance and the stakes involved.

What did the Spanish believe about the native tribes?

• They were technologically advanced

• They were rich

• They were peaceful

• They were nomadic

Answer explanation

The Spanish believed the native tribes were rich due to their gold and resources, which motivated exploration and conquest. This perception influenced their interactions and policies towards the indigenous populations.

What did the Spanish want to increase through their exploration?

• Their knowledge

• Their population

• Their power and glory

• Their trade routes

Answer explanation

The Spanish aimed to increase their power and glory through exploration, seeking to expand their empire and influence, rather than solely focusing on knowledge, population, or trade routes.