Introduction to Middle America

Fill in the blank: "Middle America" is typically defined as the area between _______ and _______ America.

• North; South

• East; West

• Central; South

• North; Central

Which of the following regions does Middle America include?

• Only Mexico

• Only Central America

• Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean islands

• Only the Caribbean islands

Mexico is sometimes grouped with Central America in the context of Middle America because:

• it shares historical, cultural, and geographical ties with the region.

• it is located entirely in South America.

• it is an island nation in the Caribbean.

• it has no connection to Central America.

Who were the Olmec and Zapotec?

• People who lived in Mesoamerica in ancient times

• People who lived in Europe in ancient times

• People who lived in Africa in ancient times

• People who lived in Asia in ancient times

The Olmec and Zapotec adapted to live in the ________ and found ways to adapt to their environment.

• rain forest

• desert

• mountains

• tundra

What is slash-burn agriculture?

• A method in which trees and other plants are cut down and burned to enrich the soil

• A method of fishing in rivers

• A way to build houses from stone

• A type of ancient writing

Look at the image of the large stone head. Which ancient civilization is known for creating these colossal stone heads?

• Olmec

• Zapotec

• Maya

• Inca

According to the passage, Olmec beliefs and practices helped shape the cultures of which group of peoples?

• European peoples

• African peoples

• Mesoamerican peoples

• Asian peoples

The three main groups in Mayan society were Nobles, Middle Class, and _________?

• Commoners

• Priests

• Warriors

• Merchants

Society: Had complex societies. The three main groups were Nobles, Middle Class, and Commoners. Who were considered powerful in Mayan society?

• Commoners

• Nobles (King, high officials, and priest)

• Farmers

• Merchants