Incidents of Travel in Yucatan, Vol I, Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

John L. Stephens’s 1843 journey through Yucatan led him to the ruins of 44 cities. What was a prevalent belief about these ruins in the 1800s?

The ruins were constructed by a lost civilization that vanished thousands of years ago.
The ruins were created by the ancestors of the modern Maya people who inhabited the region.
The ruins were built by Spanish conquistadors as a display of their power.
The ruins were created by a mythical, powerful race of beings from a distant land.

Correct Answer: The ruins were constructed by a lost civilization that vanished thousands of years ago.

Correct Answer Explanation: Before Stephens’s exploration, it was widely believed that the Mayan ruins were created by a lost civilization that had disappeared centuries before. Stephens’s work challenged this belief and instead argued that the ruins were built by the ancestors of the modern Maya people.

What was a significant factor that made the Spanish conquest of Yucatan challenging for the conquistadors?

The vast distances and dense jungles of Yucatan made it difficult for the Spanish to navigate and control the region.
The Maya, despite their advanced civilization, were not skilled warriors and lacked the tools to resist the Spanish.
The Spanish conquistadors were not used to the climate and terrain of Yucatan and often suffered from illness and disease.
The Maya were a peaceful people who welcomed the Spanish and offered them their land.

Correct Answer: The vast distances and dense jungles of Yucatan made it difficult for the Spanish to navigate and control the region.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Spanish conquest of Yucatan was a protracted process, with the Spanish facing significant challenges, including the vast distances, dense jungles, and skilled warriors of the Maya. The terrain and climate also proved difficult for the Spanish, contributing to their struggles.

Stephens observed that the Mayan cities were intricately planned. What was a key architectural feature he noted?

The Maya used simple, flat stones to create their structures, which were not very durable.
The Maya used a unique technique of overlapping stones to create arches, a feat of engineering.
The Maya built their cities with mud brick, a common building material in the region.
The Maya had a distinct aversion to using any form of mortar in their buildings.

Correct Answer: The Maya used a unique technique of overlapping stones to create arches, a feat of engineering.

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens observed that the Mayan cities were built with sophistication and ingenuity. He highlighted their use of overlapping stones to create arches, a complex architectural technique that was not common in other civilizations at the time.

Stephens was fascinated by the Mayans’ knowledge of astronomy. What was one way this was evident in their cities?

The Mayans designed their cities with a series of tunnels that aligned with the stars to create a complex network of underground pathways.
The Mayans built large, flat platforms atop pyramids, where they could gather to observe the movement of the stars at night.
The Mayans placed their buildings in a way that aligned with celestial bodies, reflecting their understanding of the cosmos.
The Mayans used sophisticated telescopes to track the movement of planets and stars, which they incorporated into their religious practices.

Correct Answer: The Mayans placed their buildings in a way that aligned with celestial bodies, reflecting their understanding of the cosmos.

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens noted that the Mayan cities were built with an understanding of astronomy. He observed that the placement of buildings and structures aligned with celestial bodies, suggesting that the Mayans had a sophisticated knowledge of the cosmos and incorporated it into their architectural designs.

What was a common practice in Mayan religion that Stephens observed in the ruins of Mayan cities?

The Mayans were known for their peaceful religious practices, avoiding any form of human sacrifice.
The Mayans had a unique reverence for nature and worshipped animals, particularly jaguars.
The Mayans engaged in human sacrifice, often cutting out the hearts of their victims on altars.
The Mayans believed in a single, supreme god, who was represented in the form of a sun god.

Correct Answer: The Mayans engaged in human sacrifice, often cutting out the hearts of their victims on altars.

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Mayans had a complex religious system with multiple deities, they were also known for their practice of human sacrifice. Stephens observed evidence of this practice in the ruins, including sacrificial altars and evidence of ritualistic killings.

How did the Maya use cacao, which Stephens noted was a crucial part of their culture?

Cacao was a sacred plant for the Maya, and they used it in various religious ceremonies, particularly for offerings to their gods.
Cacao was a common food for the Maya, and they ground it into a paste that they ate with meals.
Cacao was a valuable commodity for the Maya, and they used it as a form of currency for trading goods and services.
Cacao was the primary ingredient in a popular Mayan beverage that they enjoyed daily.

Correct Answer: Cacao was a valuable commodity for the Maya, and they used it as a form of currency for trading goods and services.

Correct Answer Explanation: Cacao played a significant role in Mayan culture and society. Stephens observed that it was used as a form of currency for trade, highlighting its importance in the Mayan economy. The cacao beans were a valuable commodity that could be exchanged for goods and services, reflecting the Mayan understanding of trade and commerce.

Stephens noted a distinct difference between the Spanish and Maya populations in Yucatan. What was a key distinction he made?

The Spanish were a wealthy and privileged group, while the Maya were a poor and downtrodden population.
The Spanish were known for their advanced technology, while the Maya relied on basic tools and simple weapons.
The Spanish were skilled farmers, while the Maya were primarily hunters and gatherers.
The Spanish spoke a different language and had a distinct culture from the Maya.

Correct Answer: The Spanish spoke a different language and had a distinct culture from the Maya.

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens noted the cultural divide between the Spanish and Maya populations in Yucatan. He observed that the Spanish had their own language and culture, which were separate from the Mayan language and customs. This separation contributed to the tension and conflict between the two groups.

What was the name given to the Yucatan peninsula by the Maya?

The Maya did not have a name for the peninsula, as they were scattered across various regions.
The Maya referred to the peninsula as “Yucatan,” the same name used by the Spanish.
The Maya called the peninsula “Maya,” a term that reflects their cultural identity.
The Maya named the peninsula “Tenochtitlan,” after the capital city of the Aztec empire.

Correct Answer: The Maya called the peninsula “Maya,” a term that reflects their cultural identity.

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens observed that the Maya still referred to their country by its ancient name, “Maya.” This highlights the persistence of Mayan culture and their connection to their ancestral heritage, even after the Spanish conquest.

Stephens encountered various types of housing in Yucatan. What was a common dwelling type for the Maya?

The Maya lived in multi-story buildings made of stone and wood, with elaborate decorations.
The Maya lived in simple, thatched-roof huts, with a single room for the entire family.
The Maya lived in underground caves, which provided shelter from the harsh Yucatan sun.
The Maya lived in open-air dwellings made of bamboo and leaves, easily assembled and disassembled.

Correct Answer: The Maya lived in simple, thatched-roof huts, with a single room for the entire family.

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens noted that the Maya lived in simple dwellings, typically thatched-roof huts with a single room for the entire family. This reflects the Mayan lifestyle and their reliance on basic materials for shelter.

What was a significant challenge that the Mayans faced in terms of water resources?

The Maya lived in a region with frequent droughts, which forced them to travel long distances for water.
The Maya relied heavily on aguadas, or ponds, for water supply, but these were prone to seasonal variations and contamination.
The Maya had a sophisticated water filtration system that ensured their water supply was always pure and safe.
The Maya were experts in water management and had a complex system of canals and aqueducts that delivered water to their cities.

Correct Answer: The Maya relied heavily on aguadas, or ponds, for water supply, but these were prone to seasonal variations and contamination.

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens noted that the Mayans relied on aguadas, or ponds, for their water supply. However, these ponds were often subject to seasonal variations and contamination, which led to health issues for the Maya. This highlights the importance of water resources in the Yucatan peninsula and the challenges faced by the Mayan people.

What was the name of the capital city of Yucatan during Stephens’s visit?

Merida
Chichen Itza
Uxmal
Mayapan

Correct Answer: Merida

Correct Answer Explanation: Merida was the capital city of Yucatan during Stephens’s visit in 1843. He spent time exploring the city and documenting its architecture, culture, and daily life. Merida was a significant center of Spanish influence in Yucatan and housed the majority of the region’s European population.

Stephens encountered a game played in a public gambling house in Merida. What was the name of this game?

Loteria
Jai Alai
Bingo
Poker

Correct Answer: Loteria

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens observed a game of “Loteria” played in a public gambling house in Merida. This game, similar to Bingo, was a popular form of entertainment for both the Spanish and Mayan populations in Yucatan. It provided insights into the social life and customs of the people in the region during Stephens’s visit.

What is the name for the Mayan calendar cycle that spans 52 years?

Katun
Indiction
Ajau Katun
Triadecateridas

Correct Answer: Katun

Correct Answer Explanation: The Maya used a complex calendar system, and one of their cycles was the “Katun,” which spanned 52 years. This cycle was significant to the Maya, and they used it to track time and events. Understanding the Katun is essential to understanding the Mayan calendar system and their relationship with time.

What is the name for the five extra days at the end of each year in the Mayan calendar?

Ajau Katuns
Triadecateridas
Indiction
Uayeb

Correct Answer: Uayeb

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mayan calendar had 18 months of 20 days each, plus five additional days at the end of the year, called “Uayeb.” These days were believed to be unlucky and carried a risk of misfortune, prompting the Maya to take precautions during this period.

What is the name for the Mayan cycle that spans 312 years?

Indiction
Katun
Ajau Katun
Triadecateridas

Correct Answer: Ajau Katun

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mayan calendar had a cycle called the “Ajau Katun,” which spanned 312 years. This was a significant cycle for the Maya, and they used it to track larger periods of time. It highlights the complexity and sophistication of the Mayan calendar system.

What is the name for the 13-year periods in the Mayan calendar?

Ajau Katun
Indiction
Triadecateridas
Uayeb

Correct Answer: Indiction

Correct Answer Explanation: The Maya calculated their cycles using a period of 13 years, called an “indiction” or “week of years.” This period was a smaller cycle within the larger “Katun” and “Ajau Katun” cycles. Understanding the “indiction” is crucial to understanding the Mayan calendar and their time-keeping system.

What is the name for the underground chambers in Mayan cities that were used as cisterns or reservoirs?

Aguadas
Chultones
Campo Santo
Casa Real

Correct Answer: Chultones

Correct Answer Explanation: Chultones were subterranean chambers in Mayan cities that served as cisterns or reservoirs for water storage. They were an important part of the Mayan water management system and helped ensure a reliable water supply. Understanding the role of chultones in Mayan cities provides insights into their engineering and architecture.

What was the primary source of water for the Maya?

Rivers
Springs
Aguadas
Wells

Correct Answer: Aguadas

Correct Answer Explanation: Aguadas, or ponds, were the primary source of water for the Maya. These ponds were often created artificially, and they provided water for drinking, bathing, and irrigation. Understanding the importance of aguadas is crucial for understanding the Mayan relationship with water and their reliance on natural resources.

What is the term for the large estates or ranches in Yucatan that were typically owned by Spanish landowners?

Casa Real
Hacienda
Campo Santo
Aguada

Correct Answer: Hacienda

Correct Answer Explanation: Haciendas were large estates or ranches in Yucatan, typically owned by Spanish landowners. They played a significant role in the economy of Yucatan and were often centers of agricultural production and labor. Understanding the concept of haciendas is essential to understanding the social and economic structures of Yucatan during Stephens’s visit.

What is the term for the elected official in a Mayan village?

Ajau
Alcalde
Cacicque
Tribu

Correct Answer: Alcalde

Correct Answer Explanation: Alcaldes were elected officials in Mayan villages. They were responsible for overseeing local affairs, resolving disputes, and representing their communities. Understanding the role of alcaldes is important for understanding the political structure of Mayan society and their system of governance.

What is the term used by the Maya to refer to their ancestors and their ancient civilization?

Ajau
Antiguos
Tribu
Cacicque

Correct Answer: Antiguos

Correct Answer Explanation: The Maya still held a strong connection to their ancestors and often referred to them as the “antiguos.” This term highlights their reverence for their heritage and the importance of their ancestral history. Understanding the term “antiguos” is important for understanding Mayan cultural identity and their connection to their past.

What was a key finding of Stephens’s exploration of Yucatan?

The Mayan civilization was not as sophisticated as previously believed and lacked advanced technology.
The Spanish conquest of Yucatan was a peaceful process with little resistance from the Maya.
The Maya were a peaceful people who had no knowledge of warfare or violence.
The Yucatan peninsula was rich in archeological sites, containing ruins of numerous ancient Mayan cities.

Correct Answer: The Yucatan peninsula was rich in archeological sites, containing ruins of numerous ancient Mayan cities.

Correct Answer Explanation: One of Stephens’s key findings was the abundance of Mayan ruins throughout the Yucatan peninsula. He documented the ruins of 44 cities, highlighting the widespread extent of Mayan civilization and its architectural achievements.

What is the name for the type of two-wheeled wagon used for transportation in Yucatan?

Carioché
Aguada
Chultones
Casa Real

Correct Answer: Carioché

Correct Answer Explanation: A carioché was a type of two-wheeled wagon used for transportation in Yucatan. It was a common sight in the region during Stephens’s visit and was used to transport goods, people, and even animals. Understanding the carioché is important for understanding transportation methods in Yucatan during the 19th century.

What is the name for the government building in a Mayan village, intended for official purposes and for housing travellers?

Casa Real
Campo Santo
Aguada
Chultones

Correct Answer: Casa Real

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Casa Real” was a government building in a Mayan village, intended for official purposes and for housing travellers. It served as a center of government and community life. Understanding the “Casa Real” is important for understanding the political and social structures of Mayan villages.

What is the name for the cemetery?

Casa Real
Campo Santo
Aguada
Chultones

Correct Answer: Campo Santo

Correct Answer Explanation: “Campo Santo” is the term used for a cemetery. It refers to a place where the dead are buried. Understanding this term is important for understanding the Mayan burial practices and their relationship with death.

What was the estimated population of Merida during Stephens’s visit?

10,000
23,000
50,000
100,000

Correct Answer: 23,000

Correct Answer Explanation: The population of Merida was estimated at around 23,000 in 1843. This was a significant population for the time and highlights the importance of Merida as a center of economic and political activity in Yucatan.

What was the temperature variation in Merida during Stephens’s thirteen-day visit?

5 degrees
9 degrees
15 degrees
20 degrees

Correct Answer: 9 degrees

Correct Answer Explanation: Merida’s temperature fluctuated only nine degrees during Stephens’s thirteen-day visit. This highlights the relatively stable climate of the region and its potential for agriculture and human settlement.

What was the total population of Yucatan in 1841?

250,000
578,939
1,000,000
2,000,000

Correct Answer: 578,939

Correct Answer Explanation: The Yucatán had a population of 578,939 in 1841, according to official census data. This number provides a sense of the scale of the region’s population during Stephens’s visit and highlights the importance of understanding the demographics of the time.

How many souls did the hacienda of Xcanchakan house?

200
400
700
1,000

Correct Answer: 700

Correct Answer Explanation: The Yucatán hacienda of Xcanchakan housed 700 souls. This number highlights the scale of these estates and their importance in the local economy. It also provides insights into the social structure of Yucatan, where haciendas were often centers of labor and production.

How many souls did the hacienda of San Joaquin house?

Correct Answer: 378

Correct Answer Explanation: The Yucatán hacienda of San Joaquin housed 378 souls. This number provides a sense of the size and population density of these haciendas and their importance in the local economy.

How many souls did the hacienda of San Francisco house, where Stephens discovered a sepulchre?

Correct Answer: 150

Correct Answer Explanation: The hacienda of San Francisco, where Stephens discovered a sepulchre, had a population of about 150 souls. This number provides a sense of the size and scale of these haciendas and their role in the local community.

What was the estimated population of Ticul during Stephens’s visit?

1,000
3,000
5,000
10,000

Correct Answer: 5,000

Correct Answer Explanation: The population of Ticul was estimated at 5,000, with 300 white families and the rest Maya. This number provides a sense of the size and demographics of this town during Stephens’s visit.

What was the estimated population of Nohcacab during Stephens’s visit?

2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000

Correct Answer: 6,000

Correct Answer Explanation: The population of Nohcacab was about 6,000. This number provides a sense of the size and scale of this town during Stephens’s visit.

What is the name of the god that the Mayans worshipped?

Mam
Itzamná
Kukulkan
Ah Muzen Cab

Correct Answer: Itzamná

Correct Answer Explanation: Itzamná was the supreme deity in Mayan mythology. He was the creator god and was associated with the heavens, the sun, and knowledge. The Mayans revered Itzamná as the source of all creation and as the god who brought civilization to the world.

What was a significant aspect of Stephens’s journey that shaped his observations?

Stephens travelled during a time of peace and stability in Yucatan.
Stephens journeyed through Yucatan during a time of political unrest and rebellion.
Stephens’s journey was a peaceful one, with no conflict or violence encountered.
Stephens’s journey was a leisurely one, focused on exploring the natural beauty of Yucatan.

Correct Answer: Stephens journeyed through Yucatan during a time of political unrest and rebellion.

Correct Answer Explanation: Yucatan was in the process of declaring independence from Mexico during Stephens’s visit in 1843. This political turmoil and instability shaped his experiences in the region and influenced his observations of the social and cultural dynamics of the time.

What was a significant consequence of the Spanish conquest for the Mayan people?

The Spanish conquest led to the destruction of many Mayan cities and the suppression of their culture.
The Spanish conquest brought peace and stability to Yucatan, allowing the Maya to prosper.
The Spanish conquest led to a cultural exchange between the Spanish and Maya, resulting in a new and vibrant hybrid culture.
The Spanish conquest was a beneficial event for the Mayan people, as it introduced them to new technologies and ideas.

Correct Answer: The Spanish conquest led to the destruction of many Mayan cities and the suppression of their culture.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Spanish conquest had a devastating impact on Mayan civilization. Many Mayan cities were destroyed, and their culture was suppressed under Spanish rule. This resulted in a loss of cultural identity and a decline in Mayan traditions.

What was the impact of the Spanish conquest on the Mayan language?

The Spanish conquest led to the widespread adoption of Spanish as the primary language of Yucatan.
The Spanish conquest had little impact on the Mayan language, which continued to be spoken widely.
The Spanish conquest led to a hybrid language that combined Spanish and Mayan elements.
The Spanish conquest led to a resurgence of interest in the Mayan language, which became a symbol of cultural identity.

Correct Answer: The Spanish conquest led to the widespread adoption of Spanish as the primary language of Yucatan.

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Mayan language persisted in some communities, the Spanish conquest led to the widespread adoption of Spanish as the primary language of Yucatan. This shift in language reflected the dominance of Spanish culture and the suppression of Mayan culture.

What did Stephens note about the Mayans’ persistence in retaining their cultural identity?

The Mayans readily abandoned their traditions and adopted Spanish customs.
The Mayans continued to practice some of their ancient customs and traditions, despite the Spanish conquest.
The Mayans were eager to learn Spanish and embrace the new culture.
The Mayans completely lost their cultural identity after the Spanish conquest.

Correct Answer: The Mayans continued to practice some of their ancient customs and traditions, despite the Spanish conquest.

Correct Answer Explanation: Despite the suppression of their culture under Spanish rule, the Mayan people continued to practice some of their ancient customs and traditions. This reflects their resilience and their deep connection to their heritage.

What was a key takeaway from Stephens’s exploration of Yucatan?

The Mayan civilization was a primitive and unsophisticated culture.
The Spanish conquest was a necessary and beneficial event for Yucatan.
The Mayan civilization was a complex and fascinating culture with a rich history and enduring legacy.
The Mayan civilization was a lost civilization that vanished thousands of years ago.

Correct Answer: The Mayan civilization was a complex and fascinating culture with a rich history and enduring legacy.

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens’s exploration of Yucatan revealed that the Mayan civilization was a complex and fascinating culture with a rich history and enduring legacy. His observations challenged prevailing beliefs about the Maya and helped to shed light on their achievements and resilience.

What was a key element of Mayan culture that Stephens observed?

The Mayans were known for their sophisticated technology and advanced engineering.
The Mayans were a peaceful people who had no knowledge of warfare or violence.
The Mayans were a highly superstitious people who relied heavily on divination and magic.
The Mayans had a deep respect for their ancestors and maintained strong connections to their past.

Correct Answer: The Mayans had a deep respect for their ancestors and maintained strong connections to their past.

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens noted that the Mayans still held a strong connection to their ancestors, referring to them as the “antiguos.” This deep reverence for their heritage reflected a key element of Mayan culture and their sense of identity.

What was the impact of the Spanish conquest on the political landscape of Yucatan?

The Spanish conquest had little impact on the political landscape of Yucatan, which remained largely unchanged.
The Spanish conquest led to a period of peace and stability in Yucatan, with a unified government under Spanish rule.
The Spanish conquest brought about a new political order in Yucatan, with the Spanish at the top of the social hierarchy.
The Spanish conquest resulted in the complete destruction of Mayan political structures, leaving a void in governance.

Correct Answer: The Spanish conquest brought about a new political order in Yucatan, with the Spanish at the top of the social hierarchy.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Spanish conquest had a profound impact on the political landscape of Yucatan. It led to a new political order with the Spanish at the top of the social hierarchy. The Maya were subjugated under Spanish rule, and their political autonomy was suppressed.

What was the key purpose of Stephens’s journey to Yucatan?

Stephens was a treasure hunter searching for gold and other valuables.
Stephens was a military officer tasked with conquering the Maya.
Stephens was a scientist studying the natural history of Yucatan.
Stephens was an explorer documenting the ruins of ancient cities and the Mayan civilization.

Correct Answer: Stephens was an explorer documenting the ruins of ancient cities and the Mayan civilization.

Correct Answer Explanation: John L. Stephens was an explorer who documented the ruins of ancient Mayan cities and the Mayan civilization. His journey to Yucatan was driven by a desire to learn more about this fascinating culture and its rich history.

What was a key theme that emerged from Stephens’s observations of the Maya?

The Maya were a technologically advanced civilization that surpassed the Spanish in many ways.
The Maya were a primitive and unsophisticated people who were easily conquered by the Spanish.
The Maya were a resilient people who continued to maintain a strong sense of cultural identity despite the Spanish conquest.
The Maya were a peaceful and welcoming people who had no desire for conflict or war.

Correct Answer: The Maya were a resilient people who continued to maintain a strong sense of cultural identity despite the Spanish conquest.

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens’s observations highlighted the resilience of the Mayan people. Despite the destruction and suppression of their culture under Spanish rule, they continued to maintain a strong sense of cultural identity and practice some of their ancient customs.

What was a significant element of Mayan architecture that Stephens observed?

The Maya were known for their use of iron and steel in their buildings.
The Maya built their cities using a simple, flat-stone construction technique.
The Maya had a unique way of creating arches using overlapping stones.
The Maya were experts in building dome-shaped structures.

Correct Answer: The Maya had a unique way of creating arches using overlapping stones.

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens noted the Mayans’ unique technique of creating arches using overlapping stones. This complex architectural feat demonstrates their engineering skills and their understanding of structural design.

What was a key insight Stephens gained from his observations of the Maya?

The Mayan civilization was on the verge of collapse before the Spanish conquest.
The Maya were a lost civilization that had vanished thousands of years ago.
The Mayan civilization was a complex and sophisticated culture with a rich history and enduring legacy.
The Mayan civilization was a peaceful and welcoming culture that had no concept of war.

Correct Answer: The Mayan civilization was a complex and sophisticated culture with a rich history and enduring legacy.

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens’s exploration of Yucatan challenged prevailing beliefs about the Maya and revealed that they were a complex and sophisticated civilization with a rich history and enduring legacy. His observations helped to shed light on their achievements, resilience, and cultural practices.

What was a significant challenge Stephens faced during his journey through Yucatan?

Stephens was frequently attacked by wild animals.
Stephens struggled to find enough food and water.
Stephens faced opposition from the Mayan people who were hostile to outsiders.
Stephens faced opposition from the Spanish authorities who were suspicious of his motives.

Correct Answer: Stephens struggled to find enough food and water.

Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens’s journey through Yucatan was often challenging, especially in terms of finding food and water. The harsh conditions of the Yucatan peninsula often made it difficult to obtain these essential resources, requiring him to rely on local supplies and the generosity of the people he encountered.

What was a key impact of the Spanish conquest on the Maya’s relationship with their ancestors?

The Spanish conquest forced the Maya to abandon their ancestral traditions and embrace Spanish customs.
The Spanish conquest had little impact on the Maya’s relationship with their ancestors, as it remained strong.
The Spanish conquest led to a renewed interest in Mayan ancestors, as a symbol of cultural identity.
The Spanish conquest led to a separation between the Maya and their ancestors, as their culture was suppressed.

Correct Answer: The Spanish conquest led to a separation between the Maya and their ancestors, as their culture was suppressed.

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Maya continued to hold a connection to their ancestors, the Spanish conquest led to a separation between them and their heritage. The suppression of Mayan culture under Spanish rule disrupted their traditions and ways of life, creating a distance between them and their ancestral heritage.

What was a key contribution of Stephens’s work to our understanding of the Mayan civilization?

Stephens’s work proved that the Mayan civilization was a myth and had never existed.
Stephens’s work revealed that the Mayan civilization was a primitive and unsophisticated culture.
Stephens’s work provided valuable insights into the Mayan civilization, challenging prevailing beliefs and shedding light on their achievements and resilience.
Stephens’s work confirmed that the Mayan civilization was a lost civilization that had vanished thousands of years ago.

Correct Answer: Stephens’s work provided valuable insights into the Mayan civilization, challenging prevailing beliefs and shedding light on their achievements and resilience.

Correct Answer Explanation: John L. Stephens’s work “Incidents of Travel in Yucatan, Vol. I” provided valuable insights into the Mayan civilization, challenging prevailing beliefs and shedding light on their achievements and resilience. His exploration and documentation helped to change perceptions of the Maya and contribute to our understanding of their rich history and culture.

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