The Rise and Fall of the Mayan Empire: Key Events and Insights

What is the paradoxical nature of the Mayan Empire?

• It was both advanced and brutal.

• It was both small and expansive.

• It was both peaceful and isolated.

• It was both wealthy and poor.

During the Preclassic Period, what were the main crops cultivated by the Mayans?

• Rice, wheat, and barley

• Bananas, coconuts, and pineapples

• Potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers

• Maize, beans, and squash

What is the Classic Period of the Mayan Empire often referred to as?

• The Iron Age

• The Silver Age

• The Bronze Age

• The Golden Age

Which mathematical concept did the Mayans introduce during the Classic Period?

• The concept of infinity

• The concept of zero

• The concept of fractions

• The concept of negative numbers

What was a significant factor in the decline of the Mayan Empire?

• Economic collapse

• Invasion by foreign armies

• Drastic environmental changes

• Loss of trade routes

What role did warfare play in Mayan society?

• It was only for defense.

• It was integral and linked with religious rituals.

• It was avoided at all costs.

• It was used to expand trade.

What is one theory about the internal conflicts within the Mayan Empire?

• They were due to squabbles among city-states.

• They were caused by foreign invaders.

• They were caused by natural disasters.

• They were due to disputes over trade routes.

What did the Mayans accurately predict with their complex calendar system?

• The changing of the seasons

• The positions of the stars

• The cycle of Venus and solar eclipses

• The phases of the moon

What is a testament to the Mayans' architectural prowess?

• Their floating cities

• Their underground tunnels

• Their sprawling city-states and innovative construction techniques

• Their use of steel and concrete

How do the descendants of the Mayans keep their traditions alive today?

• By migrating to other countries

• By rejecting modern technology

• By living in isolation

• By continuing to honor their traditions