Civilizations of the Americas Quiz

Which civilization built the city of Machu Picchu?

• Maya

• Inca

• Aztec

• Olmec

What was the main language spoken by the Aztecs?

• Quechua

• Nahuatl

• Spanish

• Maya

Which of the following crops was most important to the Maya civilization?

• Wheat

• Maize (corn)

• Rice

• Potatoes

The Inca civilization was mainly located in which present-day country?

• Mexico

• Peru

• Brazil

• Guatemala

Which civilization is known for building large step pyramids such as the Pyramid of the Sun?

• Inca

• Aztec

• Maya

• Olmec

Match the civilization to its famous city: Maya, Inca, Aztec.

• Maya - Tenochtitlan, Inca - Cuzco, Aztec - Chichen Itza

• Maya - Chichen Itza, Inca - Cuzco, Aztec - Tenochtitlan

• Maya - Machu Picchu, Inca - Chichen Itza, Aztec - Cuzco

• Maya - Cuzco, Inca - Tenochtitlan, Aztec - Machu Picchu

Which of the following best explains why the Inca built terraces on mountainsides?

• To create places for religious ceremonies

• To make farming possible on steep land

• To build homes for the nobility

• To defend against invaders

Compare the writing systems of the Maya and the Inca. Which statement is correct?

• Both used a system of knots called quipu.

• The Maya had a written language; the Inca used quipu for record-keeping.

• Both civilizations had no form of writing.

• The Inca had a written language; the Maya did not.

Why was the location of Tenochtitlan important for the Aztecs?

• It was close to the ocean for trade.

• It was built on an island, making it easier to defend.

• It was in the mountains for cooler weather.

• It was near gold mines.

Which of the following best describes a similarity between the Maya, Inca, and Aztec civilizations?

• All three built their cities in deserts.

• All three developed complex societies with large cities and advanced knowledge.

• All three spoke the same language.

• All three were conquered by the same European explorer.