WH Topic 4 The Early Americas

The name of the cultural region that comprises Mexico and Central America is ________

• the Americas

• South America

• Mesoamerica

• North America

Today’s archaeologists base theories on when people first migrated to the Americas primarily on —

• Evidence found at prehistoric sites

• The fact that early peoples used a land bridge

• Native American legends

• Inscriptions on ancient temples

Which of the following is an example of the first Americans adapting to their environment?

• Engaging in warfare

• Expansion of trade

• Interaction with other cultures

• Domestication of plants and animals

What do scholars think the large stone heads reveal about the Olmec?

• They had little understanding of engineering.

• The Olmec used technology developed by the Aztecs.

• They made portraits of their rulers.

• They engaged in trade with other cultures.

Which of the following may have been developed by the Olmec?

• Writing system

• Raised fields

• Slash and burn

• Algebra

Which of the following describes Mayan government?

• Each city had its own ruler.

• Only men could rule.

• One king ruled all Mayan city-states.

• The emperor claimed divine power.

Which of the following is an original achievement of the Maya?

• Artificial islands for growing crops

• Ceremonial centers

• Football

• A counting system that included zero

How did the Aztec choose the location for their capital city, Tenochtitlán?

• They knew that swampland was ideal for cultivating crops.

• According to legend, they saw an eagle on a cactus with a snake in its mouth.

• They knew they did not want to locate the city near a lake.

• They chose a location far from Mexico City.

Which of the following did the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec develop?

• Igloos

• Canals

• Calendars

• Chinampas

Which of the following civilizations ruled an area that included the Andes?

• Olmecs

• Mayas

• Aztecs

• Incas