Mesoamerican Civilizations

Where was the Maya civilization located during its peak?

• Only in southern Mexico

• In parts of Mesoamerica, including Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador

• In North America, stretching from Canada to Mexico

• Only in the Yucatán Peninsula

What was the writing system that the Maya developed, which used symbols and pictures to represent words and sounds?

• Cuneiform

• Hieroglyphics

• Alphabet

• Pictographs

What was a key feature of the Maya and other early Mesoamerican civilizations, like the Olmecs, in terms of architecture?

• Large libraries

• Ceremonial centers

• Fortresses

• Factories

What crops were essential to early Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Maya and Olmecs, for food production?

• Wheat and rice

• Maize (corn)

• Potatoes and beans

• Sugarcane and oats

Which of the following best describes the role of the Olmec civilization in the development of the Maya civilization?

• The Olmecs developed the first form of hieroglyphic writing and ceremonial centers, which influenced the Maya.

• The Olmecs built the first stone cities, which the Maya copied.

• The Olmecs created the Maya calendar.

• The Olmecs conquered the Maya during the Classic period.

During which period did Maya civilization reach its peak, marked by impressive architectural achievements like the construction of large stone cities and temple-pyramids?

• Pre-Classic

• Classic

• Post-Classic

• Modern

Why did the Maya build large ceremonial centers?

• To store food for long periods

• To hold religious ceremonies and display the wealth of the rulers

• To serve as trade hubs for surrounding regions

• To provide homes for large populations of people

What happened to the Maya civilization around 900 C.E., particularly in the southern lowlands?

• It expanded into the North American continent

• The cities were abandoned and fell into ruin

• It became unified under one ruler

• It transitioned into a new religion

In Maya society, how was the social structure organized?

• In a straight line from ruler to peasants

• Like a social pyramid, with the ruler at the top

• In a circular arrangement, with no specific hierarchy

• With warriors at the top and peasants at the bottom

What was the role of the Maya ruler, or "halach uinic"?

• To lead religious rituals and sacrifices

• To serve as the head priest and decide on ceremonies

• To act as the highest authority, making decisions on war and rule
  

• d) To oversee the daily farming activities of the peasant class