Short Trivia Quiz On American History!

Explanation
The Maya civilization built cities around a central pyramid. The Maya were known for their advanced architectural skills and their impressive city planning. They constructed elaborate pyramids as the focal point of their cities, which served as religious and ceremonial centers. These pyramids were often surrounded by other structures such as palaces, temples, and ball courts. The Maya's ability to construct such complex and monumental buildings is a testament to their advanced engineering and organizational capabilities.

Explanation
The Inca built a road through the Andes. The Inca civilization was known for its advanced engineering and road-building skills. The road system, known as the Inca Road or the Qhapaq Ñan, was an extensive network of roads that connected different parts of the Inca Empire. The roads were built with precision and included bridges, tunnels, and steps to navigate the mountainous terrain of the Andes. This road system played a crucial role in the Inca Empire's administration, communication, and trade, allowing for the efficient movement of people, goods, and information across the empire.

Explanation
The Mound Builders were a group of Native American cultures that lived in the eastern and central parts of North America. They built large earthen mounds for various purposes, including burial sites, ceremonial structures, and platforms for important buildings. These mounds were often shaped like animals or geometric figures and were an important part of their religious and social practices. The Mound Builders flourished between 200 BCE and 1200 CE and left behind a rich archaeological legacy.

Explanation
The Aztec civilization was destroyed by forces led by Cortes. Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador, led an expedition to conquer the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. The Aztecs, under the rule of Emperor Moctezuma II, initially welcomed Cortés, but tensions escalated, leading to a conflict. Cortés and his forces eventually defeated the Aztecs, resulting in the downfall of their empire. This event marked the end of the Aztec civilization.

Explanation
The Toltec civilization had their capital located at Tula. The Toltecs were a Pre-Columbian civilization that flourished in central Mexico from the 10th to the 12th century. Tula, their capital, was an important political and religious center, known for its impressive architecture and sculptures. The Toltecs had a significant influence on later Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Aztecs, who considered them to be their cultural predecessors.

Explanation
The correct answer is stone roadways linking islands to the mainland. This is because the Aztecs built a network of stone causeways, known as "calzadas," which connected their capital city of Tenochtitlan to the mainland. These causeways allowed for easy transportation and trade between the city and surrounding areas. The construction of these stone roadways was a significant engineering feat and demonstrated the advanced infrastructure of the Aztec civilization.

Explanation
The correct answer is 1200 B.C. This is because the Olmec civilization is believed to have emerged around this time in Mesoamerica. The Olmec people were known for their advanced agricultural practices, complex social structure, and the creation of colossal stone heads. They were influential in shaping the cultural and artistic traditions of later civilizations in the region.

Explanation
The people who crossed the land bridge between Asia and North America were hunters pursuing animal herds. This is because during the last Ice Age, a land bridge called Beringia connected the two continents, allowing early humans to migrate from Asia to North America. These early humans relied on hunting as their main source of food and survival, following animal herds as they moved across the land. Evidence such as ancient tools and the presence of animal remains in archaeological sites supports the theory that these early settlers were indeed hunters.

Explanation
The Aztec civilization featured city-states ruled by a hereditary ruling class. This means that power and leadership were passed down through generations within specific families. The ruling class held significant authority and controlled the city-states within the Aztec empire. This system of hereditary rule allowed for stability and continuity in the Aztec society.