Quiz on Ancient American Civilizations

Which civilization is often referred to as the 'mother of civilization' in Mesoamerica?

• Mayan

• Olmec

• Aztec

• Inca

What was the primary reason for the decline of the Olmec civilization?

• Spanish conquest

• Unknown reasons

• Over-farming

• Civil war

What was the basis of the Mayan economy?

• Fishing and hunting

• Trade and farming

• Tribute and farming

• Mining and trade

What type of sacrifices did the Mayans offer to their gods?

• Human sacrifices only

• Blood, food, and human sacrifices

• Animal sacrifices only

• Food and animal sacrifices

What writing system did the Mayans invent?

• Hieroglyphics

• Glyphs

• Quipu

• Knotted ropes

What was a major technological achievement of the Mayans?

• Suspension bridges

• 365-day calendar

• Knotted ropes

• Floating gardens

What was a possible reason for the decline of the Mayan civilization?

• Spanish conquest

• Over-farming and warfare

• Civil war

• Natural disasters

Where did the Aztecs build their city Tenochtitlan?

• Andes Mountains

• South America

• Mexico

• Central America

How did the Aztecs control their massive empire?

• Through roads and schools

• Through tribute and provinces

• Through glyph writing

• Through suspension bridges

What farming innovation did the Aztecs develop?

• Crop rotation

• Irrigation systems

• Floating gardens (chinampas)

• Terrace farming