Tiwanaku Civilization and Agricultural Innovations

The Tiwanaku civilization, known for its architectural prowess, thrived in South America for 1,500 years before mysteriously vanishing. Central to their spiritual life was the Akapana Pyramid, surrounded by intricate channels. Archaeologist Alan Colada discovered these canals acted as solar collectors, protecting crops from frost and enabling agricultural success. This innovation supported the Tiwanaku Empire for over a millennium. Despite the empire's decline due to political unrest, the canal system's revival offers modern farmers increased productivity and a connection to their ancestral wisdom.

What was one of the main achievements of the Tiwanaku civilization?

• Developing the first writing system

• Inventing the wheel

• Constructing pyramids

• Building the Great Wall

What was the Akapana pyramid primarily associated with?

• Astronomical observations

• Military training

• Spiritual power

• Trade and commerce

What did Alan Colada ask local farmers to do to test his hypothesis?

• Raise livestock

• Construct a new pyramid

• Build new channels

• Plant crops along the channel banks

What was the outcome of the experiment conducted by Alan Colada and the farmers?

• The farmers abandoned the project

• The crops failed to grow

• The channels were destroyed

• The crops were unaffected by frost

How did the channels protect crops from frost?

• By diverting cold winds away from the fields

• By using heated water from underground springs

• By storing heat during the day and releasing it at night

• By covering them with a protective layer

What was the key to the Tiwanaku's agricultural success?

• Solar collecting channels

• Genetically modified crops

• Use of fertilizers

• Advanced irrigation techniques

What was the primary purpose of the channels surrounding the Akapana pyramid?

• To serve as defensive moats

• To function as solar collectors

• To mark territorial boundaries

• To transport goods

What led to the decline of the Tiwanaku Empire?

• Invasion by foreign armies

• Economic collapse

• Natural disasters

• Political turmoil

How did the rediscovered agricultural techniques benefit local farmers?

• By reducing labor costs

• By allowing year-round farming

• By increasing crop yield sevenfold

• By eliminating the need for water

What was the impact of the rediscovered techniques on local farmers' perception of their ancestors?

• Indifference

• Pride in their ancestors' wisdom

• Disappointment

• Confusion