A) Investigate the importance of cloth production by women to Mayan, Aztec, and Incan

society. (1 point)
It was tightly controlled by the government, which distributed cloth to those who needed it.
It employed slave labor on a massive scale.
It was the largest industry, and cloth often served as money.
It kept the women busy so that they could not interfere in men’s affairs.

9 answers

The importance of cloth production by women to Mayan, Aztec, and Incan society can be best captured by the statement: "It was the largest industry, and cloth often served as money."

In these ancient civilizations, cloth production was a key economic activity. Women played a crucial role in weaving and producing textiles, which were not only essential for clothing and household needs but also held significant economic value. In many cases, cloth was used as a form of currency in trade, underscoring its importance in the marketplace. The textiles produced by women contributed to the wealth and economic stability of these societies, making their role in cloth production vital to social and economic structures.

A) Investigate the chief advantage the Maya and Aztec had over the Inca in managing
information. (1 point)
They had a system of knotted strings.
They had government bureaucracies.
They had writing.
They had public schools.

The chief advantage the Maya and Aztec had over the Inca in managing information was "They had writing."

Both the Maya and Aztec civilizations developed sophisticated writing systems (Maya hieroglyphics and Aztec pictographs, respectively) that enabled them to record information, create historical records, document events, and convey complex ideas. In contrast, the Inca relied primarily on oral tradition and the quipu, a system of knotted strings, for information management, which was less effective for detailed documentation compared to a writing system. Therefore, writing provided the Maya and Aztec with a significant advantage in managing and preserving information.

A) What defined the nobility in Mayan, Aztec, and Incan societies? (1 point)
education
birth
religious office
wealth

The factor that primarily defined the nobility in Mayan, Aztec, and Incan societies was "birth."

In these cultures, noble status was generally hereditary, meaning it was passed down through family lineage. While education, religious offices, and wealth could play a role in the status and influence of nobles, the fundamental aspect that defined nobility was one's birth into a noble family. This hereditary principle established social hierarchies within their respective societies.

A) Compare the political characteristics of the Mayan and Inca Empires. (1 point)
Rulers in the Mayan Empire demonstrated political power by commissioning intricate sculptures.
Rulers in the Incan Empire demonstrated political power by strictly controlling who could wear
certain garments.
Rulers in the Mayan Empire demonstrated political power by commissioning intricate textiles.
Rulers in the Incan Empire demonstrated political power by strictly controlling who could wear
certain garments.
Rulers in the Mayan Empire demonstrated political power by commissioning intricate sculptures.
Rulers in the Incan Empire demonstrated political power by also commissioning intricate
sculptures.
Rulers in the Mayan Empire demonstrated political power by commissioning intricate sculptures.
Rulers in the Incan Empire demonstrated political power by strictly controlling who could wear the
color blue-green.

The most accurate comparison of the political characteristics of the Mayan and Inca Empires from the options provided is:

Rulers in the Mayan Empire demonstrated political power by commissioning intricate sculptures. Rulers in the Incan Empire demonstrated political power by strictly controlling who could wear certain garments.

In the Mayan Empire, rulers often commissioned grand sculptures and architectural projects as a means to display their power, celebrate their achievements, and commemorate important events. In contrast, the Incan Empire exerted control over its subjects through strict social regulations, including sumptuary laws that dictated clothing and adornment, which served to reinforce social hierarchy and the power of the elite.

A) Which of the following compares the role of monumental architecture in the Aztec and the
Inca Empires? (1 point)
The Aztec and the Inca Empires’ monumental architecture both signified the influence of
Tiawanaku religion; the Aztec worshipped two gods, whereas the Inca worshipped one god.
The Aztec and the Inca Empires’ monumental architecture both had rounded walls that signified
religion; the Aztec worshipped two gods, whereas the Inca worshipped one god.
The Aztec and the Inca Empires’ monumental architecture both had two temples that signified
religion; the Aztec worshipped two gods, whereas the Inca worshipped one god.
The Aztec and the Inca Empires’ monumental architecture both signified the gods through
natural landscape; the Aztec worshipped two gods, whereas the Inca worshipped one god.

None of the provided options accurately represent a valid comparison of the role of monumental architecture in the Aztec and Inca Empires. However, based on the context of the two civilizations, a proper comparison would highlight that both the Aztec and Inca used monumental architecture to signify their religious beliefs, but specific details about the number of gods worshipped or the architectural features mentioned in the options may not be accurate.

For a more accurate comparison:

  • Aztec monumental architecture, such as the Templo Mayor, was primarily dedicated to their pantheon of gods, reflecting their polytheistic beliefs.
  • Incan monumental architecture, such as Sacsayhuamán or the Temple of the Sun, did reflect their religious beliefs centered on the worship of the sun god, Inti, and the importance of ancestor worship in a more centralized worship of a limited number of deities.

If forced to choose from the given options, option one, while not entirely accurate, alludes to the different religious practices of the two empires:

"The Aztec and the Inca Empires’ monumental architecture both signified the influence of Tiawanaku religion; the Aztec worshipped two gods, whereas the Inca worshipped one god."

However, please note this statement conflates multiple elements and is not entirely correct. The influence of Tiawanaku specifically on the Aztecs is debatable, and the characterization of their deities is overly simplified.