Maya Civilization Quiz

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Ashleylynn
A
Ashleylynn
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 2,382
| Attempts: 2,387
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/15 Questions

    The Maya were an ancient civilization in what is now southern Mexico and Central America.

    • True
    • False
Please wait...
About This Quiz

Do you know about the Maya civilization? Take this Maya Civilization quiz to test your knowledge. The Maya people are made of those in Mexico and Central America who actually were Mexico's initial inhabitants. Among other significant things in the Maya civilization are their architectural and writing inventions. Look at the questions, and pick the correct answers. All the best for a perfect score on this quiz. If you find the quiz informative and helpful, share it with others also.

Maya Civilization Quiz - Quiz

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    What did the Maya build that was hundreds of feet tall, and they were one of the first in the Western Hemisphere to do so?

    • Bridges

    • Stone temples

    • Wooden boats

    • Cars

    Correct Answer
    A. Stone temples
    Explanation
    The Maya built stone temples that were hundreds of feet tall, making them one of the first civilizations in the Western Hemisphere to do so. These stone temples were significant structures in Maya culture, serving as religious and ceremonial centers. They were constructed using intricate architectural techniques and adorned with intricate carvings and decorations. The temples were a testament to the advanced engineering and artistic skills of the Maya civilization.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    ____________ have studied monuments that the Maya have left behind in their cities. They are scientists who look for and study evidence from long ago.

    • Artist

    • Chemist

    • Biologist

    • Archaeologist

    Correct Answer
    A. Archaeologist
    Explanation
    Archaeologists are scientists who study evidence from the past, including artifacts, structures, and monuments. In this case, they specifically study the monuments left behind by the Maya in their cities. Archaeologists analyze these remnants to understand the culture, history, and lifestyle of ancient civilizations. They use various techniques like excavation, documentation, and analysis to gather information and draw conclusions about the past. Therefore, archaeologists are the most suitable professionals to study the Maya monuments mentioned in the question.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    What was their main source of food?

    • Bananas

    • Apples

    • Potatoes

    • Corn

    Correct Answer
    A. Corn
    Explanation
    Corn was their main source of food because it was a staple crop in their diet. It provided them with essential nutrients and energy. Corn was versatile and could be prepared in various ways such as grinding it into flour, boiling, or roasting. It was a reliable and abundant food source that could be stored for long periods. Additionally, corn could be grown in different climates and was easily cultivated, making it a sustainable and accessible option for their main source of food.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    Mayan astronomers built structures to view the stars.

    • Walls

    • Observatories

    • Roads

    • Ball-courts

    Correct Answer
    A. Observatories
    Explanation
    The Mayan astronomers built observatories to view the stars. These structures were specifically designed for astronomical observations and calculations. The Mayans had a deep interest in studying celestial bodies and their movements, and the observatories provided them with a dedicated space to conduct their observations and make astronomical predictions. These structures were often positioned strategically to align with important celestial events, such as solstices and equinoxes. The Mayan observatories demonstrate their advanced knowledge and understanding of astronomy and their commitment to studying the stars.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    The Maya's invention of the idea of the number _________ helped to keep their calendar accurate.

    • Zero

    • Two

    • Four

    • Five

    Correct Answer
    A. Zero
    Explanation
    The Maya's invention of the idea of the number zero helped to keep their calendar accurate. The concept of zero is crucial in mathematical calculations and is essential for accurate timekeeping. Without zero, it would be difficult to represent the absence of a value or to perform complex calculations. The Maya's understanding and use of zero allowed them to develop a sophisticated calendar system that accurately tracked time and events.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    ____________, one of the oldest Maya cities, was built about 1,800 years ago. It had a population of about 50,000.

    • Copan

    • Tikal

    • Palenque

    • Bonampak

    Correct Answer
    A. Tikal
    Explanation
    Tikal is the correct answer because it is one of the oldest Maya cities, built approximately 1,800 years ago. It is known for its impressive architecture, including towering pyramids and temples. Tikal was a major cultural and political center, with a population of around 50,000 people at its peak. The city was abandoned around the 10th century and remained hidden in the jungle until its rediscovery in the 19th century.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    A __________ is a culture that has developed complex systems of government, education, and religion.

    Correct Answer
    civilization
    Explanation
    A civilization is a culture that has advanced and developed complex systems of government, education, and religion. It implies the existence of organized societies with established rules, hierarchies, and institutions. These civilizations have made significant progress in various aspects of human life, including technology, arts, and social structures. They often have written languages, architectural achievements, and significant cultural contributions. Civilizations have shaped the course of human history and have had a lasting impact on the development of societies worldwide.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    A _________________ is an amount greater than what is needed.

    Correct Answer
    surplus
    Explanation
    A surplus refers to an amount that exceeds what is required or necessary. It implies that there is an excess or extra quantity of something, beyond what is actually needed or expected.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    __________ was the key to the development of most civilizations.

    Correct Answer
    Farming
    farming
    Explanation
    Farming was the key to the development of most civilizations. The practice of farming allowed early humans to settle in one place, rather than constantly moving in search of food. This led to the development of permanent settlements, which eventually grew into cities and civilizations. Farming provided a stable and reliable source of food, which in turn allowed for population growth, the development of specialized labor, and the emergence of complex social and political systems. Overall, farming played a crucial role in the advancement and progress of human societies.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    In what year did the Maya build the last of their monuments?

    • 909

    • 1001

    • 801

    • 752

    Correct Answer
    A. 909
    Explanation
    The Maya built the last of their monuments in the year 909.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    Archaeologists believe that the Maya civilization began about 2,300 years ago in what is now southern Mexico and the country of ______

    Correct Answer
    Guatemala
    guatemala
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Guatemala. Archaeologists believe that the Maya civilization began about 2,300 years ago in what is now southern Mexico and Guatemala. This region was the heartland of the ancient Maya civilization, where they developed their complex society, built impressive cities, and made significant advancements in areas such as agriculture, architecture, and astronomy.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    They could ____________________, or spend most of their time doing one kind of job.

    Correct Answer
    specialize
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "specialize". This means that individuals have the option to focus on a specific area or skill, allowing them to become experts in that particular field. By specializing, they can dedicate their time and effort to mastering one type of job or profession, potentially leading to greater expertise and success in that area.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 

    The Maya's writing system used _________ which stood for both pictures and sounds in place of written words.

    Correct Answer
    symbols
    Explanation
    The Maya's writing system used symbols, which were used to represent both pictures and sounds, instead of written words. These symbols were a combination of pictographs and phonetic signs, allowing them to convey both visual and auditory information. This system was highly complex and versatile, allowing the Maya to record their history, literature, and scientific knowledge. The use of symbols in their writing system was a significant achievement and a testament to the advanced civilization of the Maya.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 

    Scholars believe that ______ helped cause the end of the Maya civilization.

    • Floods

    • Not enough rain

    • War

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. War
    Explanation
    Scholars believe that war played a significant role in causing the end of the Maya civilization. The Maya civilization experienced frequent conflicts and warfare among different city-states, leading to the weakening and eventual collapse of their society. These wars could have resulted in the destruction of infrastructure, loss of resources, and disruption of trade networks, ultimately contributing to the downfall of the Maya civilization.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Aug 31, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Aug 31, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Sep 23, 2013
    Quiz Created by
    Ashleylynn
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.