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Olmec, Inca, Maya, Aztec Guided Activity

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Last updated about 1 month ago
19 questions
Follow the directions below.
Identify and describe the major achievements, cultural practices, and societal structures of the Olmec, Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations.
Explain the significance of geographic factors, such as the environment and location, in shaping the development and success of the Olmec, Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations.
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Let's dive into the fascinating achievements, cultural practices, and societal structures of the Olmec, Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations! The Olmecs, often called the 'mother culture' of Mesoamerica, carved intricate colossal stone heads that showcase their advanced sculpting skills. Moving to the Inca civilization, marvel at their impressive network of roads, known as the Inca Road. The Maya excelled in astronomy, developing a complex calendar system and the study of celestial bodies. Lastly, the Aztecs built an innovative city on a lake, Tenochtitlan, showcasing their engineering prowess. These civilizations also had unique social hierarchies, religious practices, and artistic expressions that contributed to their rich cultural legacies. Imagine yourself exploring their ancient cities and marveling at their enduring achievements!
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Imagine traveling back in time to ancient Mesoamerica and South America! Let's dive into how geographic factors played a crucial role in shaping the development and success of civilizations like the Olmec, Inca, Maya, and Aztec. The Olmec civilization flourished in the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico. Their environment offered fertile lands near rivers, which supported agriculture, enhancing their growth. Moving on to the Inca Empire located in the Andes Mountains of South America, their strategic location provided natural defenses against invaders and rich soils for farming terraces. The Maya civilization thrived in the dense rainforests of present-day Mexico and Central America. The lush environment supplied abundant resources, inspiring impressive achievements in art, architecture, and astronomy. Lastly, the Aztecs settled on an island in Lake Texcoco, surrounded by marshes in the Valley of Mexico. Despite facing challenges like limited land, they adapted by building floating gardens called chinampas, showcasing their innovative agricultural techniques. In summary, these civilizations' success and development were greatly influenced by their geographic surroundings, showcasing how the environment and location played vital roles in shaping their unique cultures and achievements.
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Watch the video below and then complete the activity that follows.

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Question 10
10.

Who were the first major civilizations in Mesoamerica? Answer using complete sentences. 3-part answer.

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Question 11
11.

What did the Maya excel in and what did they believe about sacrificing humans? Answer using complete sentences.

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Question 12
12.

What led to the end of the Aztec civilization? Answer using complete sentences.

Question 13
13.

How did Maya and Aztec influence each other?

Question 14
14.

What challenges did the Maya face?

Question 15
15.

How can challenges be overcome? Answer may vary.

Question 16
16.

How did Spanish arrival impact indigenous people's cultural practices?

Question 17
17.

What were the effects of diseases introduced by the Spanish?

Question 18
18.

Why did many indigenous people convert to Christianity?

Question 19
19.

What happened to the Aztec and Inca empires after Spanish conquest?

Question 1
1.

Which civilization is often referred to as the 'mother culture' of Mesoamerica?

Question 2
2.

What impressive network of roads did the Inca civilization build?

Question 3
3.

Which civilization excelled in astronomy and developed a complex calendar system?

Question 4
4.

What geographic factor provided the Olmec civilization with fertile lands for agriculture?

Question 5
5.

Why did the Inca Empire have natural defenses against invaders?

Question 6
6.

What inspired the Maya civilization's impressive achievements in art, architecture, and astronomy?

Question 7
7.

Which civilization was the first majaor civiliation in Mesoamerica?

Question 8
8.

What did the Maya excel in, besides using hieroglypics to write down their history and rituals?

Question 9
9.

What led to the end of the Aztec civilization?