1.
_______ of years ago in what is now modern Honduras, Copán was a thriving civilization, a center of the cultural life of the Maya.
Correct Answer
A. Hundreds
Explanation
Hundreds of years ago in what is now modern Honduras, Copán was a thriving civilization, a center of the cultural life of the Maya. This suggests that the civilization existed for a significant but relatively short period of time, as "hundreds" typically refers to a range between 200 to 900 years. It implies that Copán flourished during a specific era, contributing to the cultural development of the Maya people in that region.
2.
The ancient Maya once occupied a vast geographic area in _________ __________. Their civilization extended to parts of what is now Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador, and most of Guatemala and Belize.
Correct Answer
C. Central America
Explanation
The correct answer is Central America because the ancient Maya civilization was located in this region. They occupied a large area that included parts of present-day Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize. This region is commonly referred to as Central America and is known for its rich Maya heritage and archaeological sites.
3.
Copán was once a Classic Maya royal center, the largest site in the southeastern part of the Maya area. Covering about ____ acres, it was built on the banks of the Copán River on an artificial terrace made of close to a million cubic feet of dirt.
Correct Answer
B. 29
Explanation
Copán, a significant Classic Maya royal center, was constructed on the banks of the Copán River. It occupied an artificial terrace created using nearly a million cubic feet of dirt. The correct answer, 29 acres, indicates the approximate size of the site.
4.
In spite of its wealth, power, and size, Copán collapsed. No monuments seem to have been produced after A.D. ____.
Correct Answer
B. 822
Explanation
The correct answer is 822. This suggests that after this year, Copán stopped producing monuments. This collapse could be attributed to various factors such as political instability, economic decline, or environmental challenges. It is likely that these issues led to a decline in the city's resources and ability to sustain its previous levels of production and prosperity.
5.
The Maya had a sophisticated and accurate calendar and a system of hieroglyphic writing.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The Maya civilization was known for their advanced knowledge in astronomy and mathematics, which allowed them to develop a highly accurate calendar system. This calendar was based on cycles of time and was used for various purposes, including religious ceremonies and agricultural planning. Additionally, the Maya also had a complex system of hieroglyphic writing, which they used to record historical events, religious beliefs, and other important information. These achievements demonstrate the sophistication and intellectual capabilities of the Maya civilization.
6.
There are now about ________ people living in the Copán Valley, about the same number that lived there before Copán collapsed.
Correct Answer
B. 25,000
Explanation
The correct answer is 25,000. This suggests that the population of the Copán Valley has remained relatively stable over time, with approximately the same number of people living there before and after Copán collapsed.
7.
Obsidian blades found in Copán households show a range of dates, from A.D. _______ to ______. After A.D. 950-1000, the number of blades drops off.
Correct Answer
D. 500, 1200
Explanation
The obsidian blades found in Copán households have been dated to a range of dates from A.D. 500 to 1200. However, after A.D. 950-1000, the number of blades significantly decreases.
8.
Why did Copán collapse?
Correct Answer
B. Overpopulation and overfarming brought on malnutrition and disease.
Explanation
Overpopulation and overfarming in Copán led to a depletion of resources and an inability to sustain the growing population. The excessive exploitation of land and agricultural practices resulted in soil degradation and reduced crop yields, leading to malnutrition and famine. Additionally, the high population density facilitated the spread of diseases, further contributing to the collapse of Copán.
9.
Was the end of the Copán a gradual decline or a rapid fall?
Correct Answer
B. Gradual (occurred over a few hundred years)
Explanation
The correct answer is gradual (occurred over a few hundred years). This suggests that the decline of Copán was not sudden or immediate, but rather a slow and gradual process that took place over an extended period of time. This could have been due to a variety of factors such as environmental changes, political instability, economic decline, or social factors. The gradual decline implies that there were multiple contributing factors that led to the eventual fall of Copán, rather than a single catastrophic event.
10.
Every society must be able to answer the basic biological needs of its members: food, drink, shelter, and hair care.
Correct Answer
B. False
11.
Mesopotamia was known as the land between two rivers, the ________ to the north and the ___________ to the south.
Correct Answer
C. Tigris, EupHrates
12.
Along with factors such as ____ and changes in the environment, scientists now believe irrigation techniques played an important role in Mashkan-shapir's collapse.
Correct Answer
C. War
13.
By about _____ B.C., agricultural production in Mesopotamia was reduced to a tiny fraction of what it had been.
Correct Answer
D. 2300
Explanation
By approximately 2300 B.C., agricultural production in Mesopotamia had significantly decreased, reaching only a small fraction of its previous levels. This suggests that there was a decline in the productivity of farming in the region during this time period.
14.
Could this happen today?In the United States, _____________ San Joaquin Valley faces irrigation problems that are similar to those faced by Mashkan-shapir.
Correct Answer
B. California’s
Explanation
This could happen today because the San Joaquin Valley in California faces irrigation problems similar to those faced by Mashkan-shapir.
15.
How the Anasazi livedThe total population of Pueblo Bonito was probably around _____ people at its height.
Correct Answer
D. 1,200
Explanation
Pueblo Bonito was a large settlement of the Anasazi people, who lived in the southwestern United States from approximately 200 BCE to 1300 CE. The question asks for the total population of Pueblo Bonito at its peak. The correct answer is 1,200 people. This suggests that Pueblo Bonito was a significant and thriving community during this time period.
16.
Abandoning the pueblosFrom the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries, many of the pueblos in Chaco Canyon were abandoned.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because it states that many of the pueblos in Chaco Canyon were abandoned from the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries. However, historical evidence suggests that Chaco Canyon was actually a thriving cultural and trade center during this time period, with many pueblos being occupied and used for various purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is false.
17.
Computers have reduced the amount of paper that is thrown away.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Computers have actually increased the amount of paper that is thrown away. While computers have made it easier to create and store digital documents, many people still print out documents or make multiple copies, resulting in more paper waste. Additionally, the rapid advancement of technology has led to shorter product lifecycles for electronic devices, resulting in more electronic waste. Therefore, the statement is false.
18.
Lower-income families buy products in smaller packages while upper-income families buy giant economy-size items.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Lower-income families often have limited budgets and may prioritize affordability over quantity. As a result, they tend to purchase smaller packages that are more affordable and meet their immediate needs. On the other hand, upper-income families have more disposable income and may prefer to buy in bulk to save money in the long run. This allows them to purchase giant economy-size items, which offer a larger quantity at a relatively lower cost per unit. Therefore, it is true that lower-income families buy products in smaller packages while upper-income families buy giant economy-size items.
19.
The arrival of sophisticated carbon-14 dating methods in the _____s caused scientists to revise their interpretation of events in Europe in prehistoric times.
Correct Answer
C. 1940
20.
Probably the most well known dating method is carbon-14 (C-14) dating. This method of absolute dating is based on the measurement of the radioactive decay of the C-14 atom.
Correct Answer
A. True
21.
Seriation is a _______ dating method that is used to place types of artifacts (or sites with certain artifact types) into a chronological sequence.
Correct Answer
B. Relative
22.
Dendrochronology can determine absolute and relative dates of _____, its origin, and what climates were like in the past.
Correct Answer
B. Wood
23.
The empire of Mali, which dated from the early thirteenth century to the late fifteenth century, rose out of what was once the empire of ______.
Correct Answer
C. Ghana
24.
In medieval times, Timbuktu was a central spot on the trade routes.
Correct Answer
A. True
25.
By ______, certain barons had castles and courts that rivaled the king's; they could be serious threats if they were not pleased in their dealings with the crown.
Correct Answer
B. 1100
26.
In ______, the English barons formed an alliance that forced King John to sign the Magna Carta.
Correct Answer
C. 1215
27.
Role of WomenIt should come as no surprise that women, whether they were nobles or peasants, held a difficult position in society. They were largely confined to household tasks such as cooking, baking bread, sewing, weaving, and spinning.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because it is widely known that women in the past, regardless of their social status, were primarily responsible for domestic tasks. They were expected to manage the household chores such as cooking, baking bread, sewing, weaving, and spinning. This limited their opportunities for education, employment, and participation in public life. The societal expectations and restrictions placed on women during that time period make the statement accurate.
28.
Some medieval women held other occupations. There were women blacksmiths, merchants, and apothecaries. Others were midwives, worked in the fields, or were engaged in creative endeavors such as writing, playing musical instruments, dancing, and painting.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement is true. It states that some medieval women held occupations such as blacksmiths, merchants, and apothecaries. Additionally, women were also involved in other activities like being midwives, working in the fields, and engaging in creative pursuits such as writing, playing musical instruments, dancing, and painting. This suggests that women in medieval times had a range of roles and were not limited to traditional gender roles.
29.
Monasteries in the Middle Ages were based on the rules set down by St. Benedict in the _____ century.
Correct Answer
C. Sixth
Explanation
Monasteries in the Middle Ages were based on the rules set down by St. Benedict in the sixth century. St. Benedict was a monk who established the Benedictine Order and wrote a set of rules known as the Rule of St. Benedict. This rule provided guidelines for the daily life and activities of monks living in monasteries. The sixth century is the correct answer because it aligns with the historical period when St. Benedict lived and established his order.
30.
Which Famous Cathedral Collapsed?
Four of the grandest medieval cathedrals are shown - one of which was not structurally sound and collapsed. After looking at the photos try to select which cathedral fell and see if you can determine, from the picture, why it might have happened.
1.
Chartres - begun in 1194 A.D.
2.
Notre Dame - begun in 1163 A.D.
3.
Beauvais - begun 1225 A.D.
4.
Canterbury - begun in 1067 A.D.
Correct Answer
C. 3
31.
Most medieval homes were cold, damp, and dark. Sometimes it was warmer and lighter outside the home than within its walls.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
During the medieval period, homes were often constructed with thick stone walls, small windows, and thatched roofs, which made them prone to being cold, damp, and dark. The lack of insulation and limited access to natural light meant that the temperature and lighting conditions inside the homes were often worse than outside. This is why it is true that sometimes it was warmer and lighter outside the home than within its walls.
32.
Who wore this hat?linen head warmer.
Correct Answer
B. Monk
Explanation
The correct answer is Monk because historically, monks were known to wear linen head warmers as part of their religious attire. This headgear provided warmth and protection for their heads while also symbolizing their commitment to their religious order. Other options such as peasant, warlord, noblewoman, and nun or peasant woman are less likely because they would not typically wear this specific type of headgear.
33.
Who wore this hat?straw or felt hat
Correct Answer
A. Peasant
Explanation
Based on the given options, the most likely candidate to wear this hat would be a peasant. The hat is described as a straw or felt hat, which are typically associated with lower social classes. The other options such as a monk, warlord, noblewoman, or nun would be less likely to wear this type of hat. Therefore, the answer is peasant.
34.
Who wore this hat?wimple
Correct Answer
E. Nun or Peasant Woman
Explanation
The hat in question, known as a wimple, was typically worn by women during the medieval period. It was commonly worn by nuns as part of their religious attire, but it was also worn by peasant women. Therefore, the correct answer is Nun or Peasant Woman.
35.
HumorsNatural functions, such as sneezing, were thought to be the best way of maintaining health. When there was a build-up of any one humor, or body fluid, it could be disposed of through sweat, tears, feces, or urine. When these natural systems broke down, illness occurred.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that in ancient medical theories, it was believed that the body had four humors or body fluids (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) and maintaining a balance between them was crucial for good health. Sneezing and other natural functions were considered the body's way of getting rid of excess humors. When these natural systems failed, it was believed to result in illness. Therefore, the statement that natural functions like sneezing were thought to be the best way of maintaining health is true.
36.
SurgeryPerformed as a last resort, surgery was known to be successful in cases of breast cancer, fistula, hemorrhoids, gangrene, and cataracts, as well as tuberculosis of the lymph glands in the neck (scrofula).
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Surgery is considered a last resort treatment option for various medical conditions including breast cancer, fistula, hemorrhoids, gangrene, cataracts, and tuberculosis of the lymph glands in the neck. It is known to be successful in these cases, implying that surgical intervention has been proven effective in treating these conditions. Therefore, the statement is true.
37.
Try your hand at Medieval medicine:
Your patient has black and blue blotches all over her body. You are fairly certain it is the plague. What treatment do you prescribe?
Correct Answer
B. Give the patient a treacle.
Explanation
The correct answer is to give the patient a treacle. Treacle was a common remedy used during medieval times to treat various ailments, including the plague. It was believed to have healing properties and was often made from a combination of herbs, spices, and honey. While it may not have been an effective treatment for the plague, it was a common practice during that time period.
38.
Try your hand at Medieval medicine:
Your patient has taken to his bed with chills, a fever, and a terrible headache. When you examine him, you find pimple-like spots covering his skin. Your diagnosis is smallpox, a contagious disease common in your time.
How will you treat this patient?
Correct Answer
C. Wrap the patient in red cloth and drape red hangings around his bed.
39.
Try your hand at Medieval medicine:
You have a patient who is showing all the signs of having leprosy, what do prescribe for the treatment?
Correct Answer
A. Have the patient attend his own funeral and banish him to a colony?
40.
The Dawn of History:Man is not an animal.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement "Man is not an animal" is true. While humans are classified as mammals, they are distinct from other animals due to their unique characteristics such as the ability to reason, use language, and possess a complex culture. These qualities set humans apart and make them more than just animals.
41.
The Dawn of History:Society was divided into the rich and the poor, the rich became kings while the poor became monks & nuns.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because in the dawn of history, society was not divided into the rich and the poor. Instead, society was divided into different social classes based on various factors such as occupation, wealth, and social status. The rich did not automatically become kings, and the poor did not automatically become monks and nuns. The division of society was more complex and varied depending on the specific culture and civilization.
42.
Mesopotamia:In ____ B.C. glass was invented.
Correct Answer
D. 2000
Explanation
Glass was invented in Mesopotamia around 2000 B.C. This ancient civilization, located in the region of modern-day Iraq, was known for its advancements in various fields including technology. The invention of glass revolutionized many aspects of human life, as it allowed for the creation of transparent and durable objects. Mesopotamians used glass to create jewelry, decorative items, and even lenses for magnification purposes. The discovery of glass-making techniques was a significant milestone in human history and had a profound impact on the development of civilizations worldwide.
43.
Mesopotamia:Tools were made mainly out of stone.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Tools in Mesopotamia were not mainly made out of stone. Instead, they were made out of a variety of materials including stone, bone, wood, and metal. Stone tools were used during the early periods, but as civilization advanced, more advanced tools made from other materials were developed. Therefore, the statement that tools were mainly made out of stone in Mesopotamia is false.
44.
Mesopotamia:If a nun was found to be going out for a drink she should be burned.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This statement is referring to the historical context of Mesopotamia, where there were strict social and religious norms. In this context, nuns were expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct, which would have prohibited them from going out for a drink. Going against these norms would have been considered a serious offense, and the punishment for such actions could be severe, including being burned at the stake. Therefore, the statement is true in the specific context of Mesopotamia during that time period.
45.
Mesopotamia:If a man was to make another man loose and eye he too would loose his eye.(Hence the saying and eye for and eye)
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This statement suggests that in Mesopotamian society, there was a form of punishment known as "an eye for an eye." If a person caused someone else to lose an eye, they would also have to suffer the same consequence and lose their own eye. This practice reflects the idea of proportional justice, where the punishment matches the crime committed. Therefore, the answer "True" indicates that the statement accurately represents the concept of "an eye for an eye" in Mesopotamia.