1. What is one way in which the Inca civilization differed from the Aztec civilization?
a) The Inca built their empire in the Andes Mountains, while the Aztecs built their empire in central Mexico.
b) The Inca were known for their elaborate temples and religious ceremonies, while the Aztecs were known for their advanced engineering and agricultural techniques.
c) The Inca practiced human sacrifice as part of their religious rituals, while the Aztecs did not.
d) The Inca were a nomadic tribe, while the Aztecs were a sedentary civilization.
2. Which of the following civilizations was not located in Mesoamerica?
a) Maya
b) Aztec
c) Inca
d) Olmec
3. The codex was:
a) A type of weapon used by the Maya civilization
b) A sacred text used by the Aztecs to record important events and religious rituals
c) A system of writing used by the Inca to communicate ideas and record history
d) An agricultural tool used by the Olmec civilization
4. Which of the following was a major accomplishment of the Maya civilization?
a) Building a network of roads that connected their empire
b) Developing a sophisticated writing system using hieroglyphics
c) Constructing massive stone pyramids for religious ceremonies
d) Creating a system of floating gardens to grow crops
5. What geographical feature influenced the development of civilizations in the Americas?
a) The Sahara Desert
b) The Amazon River
c) The Andes Mountains
d) The Himalayas
6. Which of the following was not a reason for the decline of the Aztec civilization?
a) Spanish conquistadors brought diseases that decimated the population
b) Internal conflicts and revolts weakened the empire
c) Drought and food shortages led to famine and unrest
d) Environmental degradation and overpopulation caused resources to diminish
7. How did the Inca civilization communicate over long distances?
a) By using carrier pigeons
b) By sending smoke signals
c) By using a system of roads and relay runners known as the chasquis
d) By building tall signal towers to relay messages
8. Which of the following was a major cultural achievement of the Olmec civilization?
a) Creating a system of writing based on symbols and pictographs
b) Building elaborate cities with stone temples and pyramids
c) Developing advanced mathematical and astronomical knowledge
d) Creating large stone heads carved with intricate facial features
9. What role did religion play in the civilizations of the Americas?
a) It had little influence on daily life and social structure
b) It was used by rulers to justify their authority and maintain order
c) It was strictly segregated from political and social practices
d) It played a significant role in shaping beliefs, rituals, and cultural practices
10. Which of the following civilizations built their capital city of Tenochtitlan on an island in a lake?
a) Maya
b) Inca
c) Aztec
d) Olmec
Answer Key:
1. a) The Inca built their empire in the Andes Mountains, while the Aztecs built their empire in central Mexico.
2. c) Inca
3. b) A sacred text used by the Aztecs to record important events and religious rituals
4. b) Developing a sophisticated writing system using hieroglyphics
5. c) The Andes Mountains
6. a) Spanish conquistadors brought diseases that decimated the population
7. c) By using a system of roads and relay runners known as the chasquis
8. d) Creating large stone heads carved with intricate facial features
9. d) It played a significant role in shaping beliefs, rituals, and cultural practices
10. c) Aztec
Civilizations of the Americas Unit Test
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