Burns Day 2 Maya/Inca/Aztec Civilizations: Architecture and Art

Which ancient civilization is known for building large step pyramids like the one shown in the image?

• Maya

• Roman

• Egyptian

• Greek

Answer explanation

The Maya civilization is renowned for constructing large step pyramids, such as those found in Tikal and Chichen Itza. In contrast, the Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks built different types of structures, making the Maya the correct choice.

Which ancient city is located in Cusco, Peru and is known as the Incan holy city?

• Machu Picchu

• Chichen Itza

• Tenochtitlan

• Teotihuacan

Answer explanation

Machu Picchu is the ancient Incan city located in Cusco, Peru, renowned as a holy site. It is famous for its archaeological significance and stunning mountain backdrop, distinguishing it from other ancient cities like Chichen Itza and Tenochtitlan.

Which of the following best describes a settlement?

• Small communities

• Large cities

• Thick sheets of ice

• Ancient calendars

Answer explanation

A settlement refers to small communities where people live. This distinguishes them from large cities, which are more populated, and does not relate to ice or calendars.

The Aztec Calendar is most notable for being:

• Carved in stone

• Written on paper

• Painted on walls

• Made of wood

Answer explanation

The Aztec Calendar, also known as the Sun Stone, is most notable for being carved in stone. This intricate stone carving features detailed symbols and represents the Aztec understanding of time and cosmology.

If you were to visit the Mayan Ruins, which region would you travel to?

• Yucatan, Mexico

• Cusco, Peru

• Rome, Italy

• Cairo, Egypt

Answer explanation

The Mayan Ruins are primarily located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, making it the correct region to visit for exploring these ancient sites. The other options are unrelated to Mayan culture.

What is a civilization?

• A wide, flat step of land used for farming

• A society of people who share the same language, territory, and economy

• A chord or string with knots that stood for numbers or categories

• A political unit that controls a city and its land

Answer explanation

A civilization is defined as a society of people who share the same language, territory, and economy, distinguishing it from other options that describe geographical features or political units.

Which term describes a political unit that controls a city and its land?

• City-state

• Quipu

• Terrace

• Surplus

Answer explanation

A city-state is a political unit that consists of a city and its surrounding territory, functioning independently. This term accurately describes the relationship between a city and the land it controls.

Terraces are best described as:

• Extra food or supplies

• Societies sharing language and economy

• Wide, flat steps of land used for farming on mountainsides

• Chords with knots for counting

Answer explanation

Terraces are wide, flat steps of land carved into mountainsides, allowing for effective farming in hilly areas. This method maximizes arable land and reduces soil erosion, making it the correct description.

Identify TWO ways the first Americans may have arrived.

• By walking across the land bridge and by boat on the water

• By flying in airplanes and by train

• By driving cars and by walking across the land bridge

• By boat on the water and by riding horses

Answer explanation

The first Americans likely arrived by walking across the land bridge known as Beringia, which connected Asia to North America, and by using boats to navigate along coastlines and rivers, making the correct answer 'By walking across the land bridge and by boat on the water'.

Which of the following are achievements made by the Mayans in Mathematics and Astronomy?

• 365 day calendar, predict eclipses, concept of zero

• Invention of the wheel, steam engine, decimal system

• Discovery of electricity, periodic table, telescope

• Printing press, compass, gunpowder

Answer explanation

The Mayans achieved a 365-day calendar, developed methods to predict eclipses, and were among the first to use the concept of zero, which were significant advancements in mathematics and astronomy.