The Americas and Time Keeping: Crash Course History of Science

The video explores the history of science in Mesoamerican civilizations, focusing on the Maya, Aztec, and Inka. It highlights the Mayan astronomical knowledge, calendar systems, and writing, as well as their agricultural practices. The Aztec and Inkan empires are also discussed, emphasizing their engineering feats and societal structures. The impact of Spanish colonization on these cultures is noted, with a reflection on the loss of historical knowledge.

What is a major limitation historians face when studying ancient science?

• Lack of interest in ancient cultures

• Absence of written records

• Overabundance of artifacts

• Too many conflicting sources

Which civilization is known for developing a complex system of calendars?

• The Egyptians

• The Maya

• The Greeks

• The Romans

What was a primary focus of the Maya priesthood?

• Conducting trade

• Building pyramids

• Calculating future calendar dates

• Writing epic poems

What agricultural technique did the Maya use to support their large population?

• Vertical farming

• Hydroponics

• Shifting agriculture

• Terrace farming

What factor contributed to the decline of the Maya civilization?

• Overpopulation

• Invasion by the Romans

• Lack of technological advancement

• Deforestation and changing rainfall patterns

What was a significant engineering achievement of the Aztecs?

• Developing the steam engine

• Constructing a city on a lake

• Inventing the printing press

• Building the Great Wall

How did the Aztecs align their great temple?

• With the moon

• With the North Star

• With the planet Mars

• With the setting sun

What unique system did the Inka use for record-keeping?

• Hieroglyphs

• Papyrus scrolls

• Khipu

• Stone tablets

What challenge do historians face when studying the Inka civilization?

• Inaccessibility of their cities

• Overabundance of artifacts

• Lack of a writing system

• Too many written records

What was a consequence of Spanish colonization on native cultures in the Americas?

• Preservation of all cultural practices

• Enhancement of native languages

• Decisive break with ancient civilizations

• Increase in native population