Mesoamerican Civilizations: Culture, Agriculture, and Conquest

The video explores the history of Mesoamerica, highlighting the Olmec, Zapotec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Toltec, and Mexica civilizations. It discusses their cultural, political, and technological advancements, as well as their eventual decline. The Spanish conquest and its impact on the region are also covered. The video aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Mesoamerican history beyond the well-known Aztec and Maya civilizations.

Which civilization was the first to develop a written language in the Americas?

• Maya

• Toltecs

• Olmecs

• Zapotecs

What was the primary crop cultivated by early Mesoamerican farmers?

• Wheat

• Potatoes

• Rice

• Corn

Which civilization is known for developing an early calendar system and possibly the earliest glyphic script in the New World?

• Maya

• Zapotecs

• Olmecs

• Teotihuacan

What was the population range of the city of Teotihuacan at its peak?

• 100,000 to 250,000

• 10,000 to 50,000

• 50,000 to 100,000

• 250,000 to 500,000

Which civilization is known for having a permanent standing army and a society built around religious war?

• Maya

• Toltecs

• Olmecs

• Zapotecs

Who was the semi-mythical leader of the Toltecs who conquered the Yucatan Peninsula?

• Cortes

• Kukulkan

• Montezuma

• Pakal

What was the name of the capital city built by the Mexica on an island in Lake Texcoco?

• Tula

• Chichen Itza

• Tenochtitlan

• Palenque

Which two powerful states were in a near-constant state of war in the 14th century?

• Maya and Olmecs

• Zapotecs and Mixtecs

• Tarascans and Mexicas

• Toltecs and Teotihuacan

What strategy did Cortes use to ensure his men would not retreat after landing in Mesoamerica?

• He threatened them

• He offered them land

• He promised them gold

• He burned the ships

What was one of the major factors that aided the Spaniards in conquering the Mexica?

• European diseases

• Alliances with local tribes

• All of the above

• Superior weapons