Early American Civilizations

Front

This civilization grew a lot of maize, or corn.

Back

Maya

Answer explanation

The Maya civilization is well-known for its extensive cultivation of maize, which was a staple food. While the Aztec and Inca also grew maize, the Maya's agricultural practices were particularly advanced and central to their culture.

Front

This civilization used llamas to help carry packs and other items when they were forced to move by their emperor.

Back

Inca

Answer explanation

The Inca civilization utilized llamas as pack animals to transport goods across their vast empire, especially during relocations ordered by their emperor. The Maya and Aztec did not primarily use llamas for this purpose.

Front

This civilization had a city known as Machu Picchu.

Back

Inca

Answer explanation

Machu Picchu is a famous archaeological site built by the Inca civilization in the 15th century. The Maya and Aztec civilizations did not have this city, making Inca the correct answer.

Front

Which civilization used farming as one way to get food?

Back

All of them

Answer explanation

The Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations all utilized farming as a primary method for food production, making 'All of them' the correct answer.

Front

According to legend, this civilization developed at a place where people found an eagle and serpent atop a cactus.

Back

Aztec

Answer explanation

The legend refers to the Aztec civilization, which is said to have founded their city, Tenochtitlan, where they saw an eagle perched on a cactus with a serpent. This imagery is central to Aztec mythology.

Front

Which civilization had cities?

Back

All of them

Answer explanation

The Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations all developed advanced societies with urban centers, making 'All of them' the correct answer. Each had significant cities that played crucial roles in their cultures.

Front

This civilization was known for creating roads, on which runners carried messages throughout the empire.

Back

Inca

Answer explanation

The Inca civilization is renowned for its extensive road system, which facilitated communication across their vast empire through runners known as chasquis. The Maya and Aztec did not have a comparable road network.

Front

This civilization built observatories, scheduled holidays, and created a calendar based on their knowledge of the planets and stars.

Back

Maya

Answer explanation

The Maya civilization is known for its advanced understanding of astronomy, building observatories, and creating a complex calendar based on celestial events, unlike the Aztec and Inca who had different focuses.

Front

The leader of this civilization was the emperor Moctezuma. You could not even look him in the eye!

Back

Aztec

Answer explanation

The leader referred to is Moctezuma, who was the emperor of the Aztec civilization. The Aztecs had strict protocols regarding interactions with their emperor, including not looking him in the eye.

Front

This civilization built chinampas, also known as floating gardens, which allowed for many crops to grow due to the surrounding water and rich soil.

Back

Aztec

Answer explanation

The Aztec civilization is known for building chinampas, or floating gardens, which utilized surrounding water and fertile soil to enhance agricultural productivity. The Maya and Inca did not use this specific technique.