8th Grade Aztec Quiz

Explanation
Maya lived in a rainforest environment.

Explanation
The Aztecs settled in a marshy lake environment. This is evident from their capital city, Tenochtitlan, which was built on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco. The marshy lake provided the Aztecs with a natural defense barrier against invaders, as well as a reliable source of water and food. The Aztecs also developed innovative farming techniques, such as chinampas, which were floating gardens on the lake. These marshy lake environments were crucial to the Aztec civilization and played a significant role in their daily lives and survival.

Explanation
The Aztecs used a farming technique called chinampas to adapt to their environment. Chinampas involved building small, rectangular plots of fertile land in the shallow waters of lakes and marshes. These plots were made by layering mud, vegetation, and reeds to create a floating garden. The Aztecs would then grow crops such as maize, beans, and squash on these chinampas. This farming method allowed them to make the most of the limited arable land available in their swampy surroundings and provided a sustainable way to produce food for their growing population.

Explanation
The Aztecs had one king as their leader. This indicates that the Aztec civilization was ruled by a monarchy, with a single individual holding the highest position of power and authority. The presence of a king suggests a hierarchical structure in which the king had ultimate control and decision-making power over the Aztec society.

Explanation
Hernan Cortes is the correct answer because he was the Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that conquered the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. He arrived in Mexico in 1519 and with the help of indigenous allies, he defeated the Aztec Empire and captured their capital city, Tenochtitlan, in 1521. Cortes played a significant role in the Spanish colonization of the Americas and his conquest of the Aztec Empire is considered a major event in history.

Explanation
Moctezuma was the leader of the Aztecs when the Spanish arrived. He was the ninth tlatoani, or ruler, of the Aztec Empire. Moctezuma's reign was marked by the arrival of Hernan Cortes and his conquistadors in 1519. Initially, Moctezuma believed that Cortes was the god Quetzalcoatl returning as prophesied, which allowed the Spanish to gain a foothold in the empire. However, tensions grew between the Aztecs and the Spanish, leading to the downfall of the Aztec Empire and Moctezuma's eventual death.

Explanation
During the Spanish invasion, a lot of Aztecs died as a result of smallpox. Smallpox was a highly contagious and deadly disease that the Aztecs had no immunity against. The Spanish brought the disease with them, and it quickly spread among the Aztec population, causing a devastating epidemic. The lack of immunity and the rapid spread of the disease led to a high death toll among the Aztecs during the Spanish invasion.

Explanation
The Spanish were not able to conquer the Maya civilization. The Maya civilization, located in present-day Mexico and Central America, was known for its advanced knowledge in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture. Despite attempts by the Spanish to conquer the Maya, they were unsuccessful due to the Maya's strong military strategies, dense jungles that made it difficult for the Spanish to navigate, and the Maya's ability to form alliances with neighboring tribes. The Spanish were able to conquer the Aztec and Inca civilizations, but the Maya remained unconquered.

Explanation
Tenochtitlán is the correct answer because it was the capital city of the Aztec civilization. Located in present-day Mexico City, Tenochtitlán was a major cultural, political, and economic center of the Aztec Empire. It was founded in 1325 and was known for its impressive architecture, intricate canal system, and vibrant markets. The city was conquered by the Spanish in 1521 and largely destroyed, but its ruins continue to be an important archaeological site.

Explanation
The Spanish took 2 years to defeat the Aztecs. This suggests that the Spanish military forces were able to overpower the Aztec empire relatively quickly, possibly due to superior weaponry, tactics, or strategic alliances with other indigenous groups. The short duration of the conflict implies a swift and decisive victory for the Spanish, resulting in the downfall of the Aztec civilization.