What did John L. Stephens and Frederick Catherwood do in Yucatan in 1843?
- Build a Mayan pyramid
- Visit the Mayan ruins
- Create a new language for the Maya
- Publish a book about European history
Correct Answer: Visit the Mayan ruins
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens and Catherwood traveled to Yucatan to explore the Mayan ruins and document their findings. This book, Incidents of Travel in Yucatan, Vol. II, was the result of their journey.
What is a Casa Cerrada?
- A Mayan temple dedicated to the god of rain
- A type of Mayan tomb
- A Mayan building with doorways blocked with stone and mortar
- A type of Mayan tool
Correct Answer: A Mayan building with doorways blocked with stone and mortar
Correct Answer Explanation: Casa Cerrada is the Spanish term for “closed house” and is a mysterious feature of some Mayan ruins. The doorways are filled with stone and mortar, leaving questions about their intended purpose.
What is a Seybo tree?
- A type of Mayan weapon
- A Mayan god
- A tree frequently mentioned in the text
- A specific Mayan building
Correct Answer: A tree frequently mentioned in the text
Correct Answer Explanation: The Seybo tree is common in Yucatan and is often mentioned in the text as a symbol of both beauty and shade.
Which of these cities is NOT mentioned in the text?
- Uxmal
- Palenque
- Chichen Itza
- Tikal
Correct Answer: Tikal
Correct Answer Explanation: The text discusses Mayan ruins in the Yucatan peninsula, but Tikal is located in Guatemala.
What is the “mano colorado”?
- A type of Mayan food
- A Mayan religious ceremony
- A symbol of a Mayan god
- An enigmatic red hand symbol found in Mayan ruins
Correct Answer: An enigmatic red hand symbol found in Mayan ruins
Correct Answer Explanation: The “mano colorado” or red hand is a symbol found on the walls of some Mayan ruins. It is an enigmatic symbol and its meaning is not entirely clear, but some speculate it may be linked to North American Indian cultures.
What was the approximate population of Bolonchen in the 1840s?
- 100
- 1,000
- 7,000
- 10,000
Correct Answer: 7,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens mentions the population of Bolonchen as being roughly 7,000 people.
Where is the Well of Chack located?
- In a Mayan pyramid
- Inside a Mayan temple
- In a Mayan village
- In a Mayan cave
Correct Answer: In a Mayan cave
Correct Answer Explanation: The Well of Chack is a subterranean system of caves that the Maya used to obtain water. Stephens descended into this system and documents his experience.
What was the main reason for the Spanish conquest of Yucatan?
- To learn about Mayan culture
- To trade with the Mayan people
- To obtain gold and convert the Maya to Christianity
- To build new cities in Yucatan
Correct Answer: To obtain gold and convert the Maya to Christianity
Correct Answer Explanation: The Spanish conquest of Yucatan was driven by a desire for wealth and to spread Christianity. Their actions resulted in a destructive process that suppressed Mayan culture and traditions.
What is an aguada?
- A Mayan religious figure
- A type of Mayan clothing
- An artificial reservoir created by the Maya
- A type of Mayan weapon
Correct Answer: An artificial reservoir created by the Maya
Correct Answer Explanation: The Maya constructed aguadas, artificial reservoirs, to manage water resources in a dry climate. These reservoirs were a testament to their engineering skills and ability to adapt to their environment.
What is the “Casa Real”?
- A Mayan palace
- A type of Mayan tomb
- A communal hut used for receiving visitors
- A Mayan religious temple
Correct Answer: A communal hut used for receiving visitors
Correct Answer Explanation: The Casa Real was a communal hut in a rancho and was used for receiving visitors, including the cura or priest.
What was the estimated depth of the well at Señor Trego’s establishment?
- 100 feet
- 354 feet
- 600 feet
- 1,000 feet
Correct Answer: 600 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions that the well at Señor Trego’s establishment was 600 feet deep.
What did the Maya use to cover and decorate their buildings?
- Marble
- Gold
- Stucco
- Wood
Correct Answer: Stucco
Correct Answer Explanation: The Maya used stucco to cover and decorate their buildings, and they often incorporated vibrant paintings. This technique demonstrates their artistic skill and their use of color and symbolism in architecture.
What does the text reveal about the Mayan’s relationship with the Spanish authorities?
- The Maya were eager to welcome the Spanish
- The Maya were indifferent to the Spanish
- The Maya were fearful of the Spanish
- The Maya were actively fighting against the Spanish
Correct Answer: The Maya were fearful of the Spanish
Correct Answer Explanation: The text highlights the fear and distrust the Maya had towards the Spanish. This fear was the result of the Spanish conquest and the ongoing struggle for independence from Mexico.
Which of these is NOT a term used to describe a person in Yucatan?
- Cacique
- Alcalde
- Alguazil
- Señor
Correct Answer: Señor
Correct Answer Explanation: While “Señor” is a common term of respect in Spanish, the text specifically mentions Cacique (tribal chief), Alcalde (mayor), and Alguazil (law enforcement officer) as terms used to describe people in Yucatan.
What is a milpa?
- A Mayan god
- A type of Mayan weapon
- A cornfield or agricultural plot
- A Mayan religious ceremony
Correct Answer: A cornfield or agricultural plot
Correct Answer Explanation: A milpa is a Mayan term for a cornfield or agricultural plot.
When did the Toltec monarchy end?
- 1052 AD
- 1527 AD
- 1536 AD
- 1608 AD
Correct Answer: 1052 AD
Correct Answer Explanation: The text states that the Toltec monarchy ended in 1052 AD. The Toltecs were a powerful Mesoamerican civilization that influenced Mayan culture.
What is a Taje?
- A type of Mayan tool
- A type of Mayan food
- A type of Mayan weapon
- A type of Mayan clothing
Correct Answer: A type of Mayan tool
Correct Answer Explanation: A Taje is a tall, thin stem that grows in Yucatan and is used for torches.
What is the Maya word for “old walls” or ruins?
- Xlap-pahk
- Casa Cerrada
- Aguada
- Seybo
Correct Answer: Xlap-pahk
Correct Answer Explanation: Xlap-pahk is the Mayan word for “old walls” or ruins.
What is the name of the building that houses the “Casa Cerrada” at Labphak?
- The Palace of the Governor
- The Nunnery
- The Temple of the Warriors
- The Great Pyramid
Correct Answer: The Nunnery
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens found a “Casa Cerrada” in the Nunnery building at Labphak.
What is the estimated length of the city wall at Tuloom?
- 100 feet
- 354 feet
- 1,500 feet
- 3,000 feet
Correct Answer: 1,500 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The city wall at Tuloom is estimated to be 1,500 feet long.
What did the women of the Rancho of Chack react with when they saw the travelers?
- Fear and alarm
- Joy and excitement
- Indifference
- Curiosity
Correct Answer: Fear and alarm
Correct Answer Explanation: The women of the Rancho of Chack were fearful of the travelers and demonstrated limited contact with the Spanish.
What is the name of the building that housed the circular holes leading to subterranean chambers?
- The Nunnery
- The Temple of the Warriors
- The Palace of the Governor
- The Great Pyramid
Correct Answer: The Palace of the Governor
Correct Answer Explanation: The circular holes leading to subterranean chambers were discovered in the Palace of the Governor. The Maya believed that these chambers housed the “owner” of the building.
What is the name of the village that Stephens explored where he discovered the “owner” of the building?
- Bolonchen
- Labphak
- Chack
- Sabachshé
Correct Answer: Labphak
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens discovered the “owner” of the building in a subterranean chamber at Labphak.
What is the name of the cave that Stephens explored that was the source of water for Bolonchen?
- The Well of Chack
- The Cueva of Bolonchen
- The Cueva of Sabachshé
- The Cueva of Kewick
Correct Answer: The Cueva of Bolonchen
Correct Answer Explanation: The Cueva of Bolonchen is a cave that Stephens explored, which was the source of water for the village of Bolonchen.
What did the Maya use to capture an iguana?
- A net
- A bow and arrow
- A spear
- A trap
Correct Answer: A trap
Correct Answer Explanation: The text describes the Maya using a trap to capture an iguana at Sabachshé.
What is the name of the village that Stephens visited where the elderly alcalde demonstrated respect and humility towards the travelers?
- Bolonchen
- Labphak
- Chack
- Sabachshé
Correct Answer: Sabachshé
Correct Answer Explanation: The elderly alcalde of Sabachshé was respectful and humble towards the travelers, showcasing the variations in Maya behavior towards the Spanish.
What is the name of the village that Stephens visited that was considered a closed community, forbidding outsiders from entering?
- Bolonchen
- Labphak
- Chack
- Schawill
Correct Answer: Schawill
Correct Answer Explanation: The inhabitants of the Rancho of Schawill formed a closed community and forbade outsiders from entering.
What is the name of the building that Stephens discovered at Kewick that was only 12 years old?
- The Palace of the Governor
- The Nunnery
- The Temple of the Warriors
- The Great Pyramid
Correct Answer: The Temple of the Warriors
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens discovered that the “new” building at Kewick was only 12 years old, and it was the Temple of the Warriors. This discovery highlighted the potential for undiscovered ruins in the region, as the Maya had no knowledge of its existence before it was uncovered.
What is the name of the village that Stephens visited where he discovered the red hand symbol on the walls of a building?
- Bolonchen
- Labphak
- Chack
- Kewick
Correct Answer: Kewick
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens discovered the red hand symbol on the walls of a building at Kewick. This discovery reinforced his belief that this symbol held a significant meaning, possibly linking Mayan and North American Indian cultures.
What did the Maya believe lived in the subterranean chambers?
- The “owner” of the building
- Spirits of the dead
- Their ancestors
- The Spanish conquistadors
Correct Answer: The “owner” of the building
Correct Answer Explanation: The Maya believed that the circular holes leading to subterranean chambers housed the “owner” of the building. This belief demonstrates their superstitious beliefs and their reverence for ancient structures.
What is the name of the city that Stephens visited where he observed the practice of a ceremonial ball game?
- Uxmal
- Chichen Itza
- Tikal
- Palenque
Correct Answer: Chichen Itza
Correct Answer Explanation: Chichen Itza is one of the most famous Mayan cities and is known for its iconic ball court.
When did the ancient map and document mentioning Uxmal date back to?
- 144 AD
- 1527 AD
- 1553 AD
- 1557 AD
Correct Answer: 1557 AD
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions an ancient map and document dating back to 1557 AD that mentions Uxmal.
What was the estimated population of Chemax in the 1840s?
- 1,000
- 6,000
- 10,000
- 15,000
Correct Answer: 10,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions the estimated population of Chemax in the 1840s as being roughly 10,000 people.
What is the name of the village where 300 men rebelled against the Spanish?
- Tekax
- Bolonchen
- Chack
- Sabachshé
Correct Answer: Tekax
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions that 300 men rebelled against the Spanish in Tekax.
What is the name of the city that Stephens visited where he observed intricate carvings on the buildings?
- Uxmal
- Chichen Itza
- Tikal
- Palenque
Correct Answer: Uxmal
Correct Answer Explanation: Uxmal is known for its intricate carvings and elaborate architecture.
When did the Toltecs arrive at Chacnouitan?
- 144 AD
- 217 AD
- 1052 AD
- 1557 AD
Correct Answer: 217 AD
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions that the Toltecs arrived at Chacnouitan in 217 AD.
What is the name of the village where Stephens observed a system of water management using wells and caves?
- Bolonchen
- Labphak
- Chack
- Sabachshé
Correct Answer: Bolonchen
Correct Answer Explanation: Bolonchen’s water management system relied on wells and caves.
What was the name of the Maya leader who died in 1536 AD?
- Ajpula
- Martin Ursua
- Diego de Landa
- Padre Ramon
Correct Answer: Ajpula
Correct Answer Explanation: Ajpula was a Maya leader who died in 1536 AD.
What is the name of the city that Stephens visited where he observed a complex system of aguadas?
- Uxmal
- Chichen Itza
- Tikal
- Palenque
Correct Answer: Uxmal
Correct Answer Explanation: Uxmal was a Mayan city with a complex system of aguadas.
What is the estimated depth of the well at Nohcacab?
- 100 feet
- 354 feet
- 600 feet
- 1,000 feet
Correct Answer: 354 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions that the well at Nohcacab was 354 feet deep.
When did Padre Diego de Landa begin construction of the Izamal church and convent?
- 1527 AD
- 1536 AD
- 1553 AD
- 1557 AD
Correct Answer: 1553 AD
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions that Padre Diego de Landa began construction of the Izamal church and convent in 1553 AD.
When did the Spaniards arrive in Yucatan?
- 144 AD
- 1527 AD
- 1536 AD
- 1557 AD
Correct Answer: 1527 AD
Correct Answer Explanation: The Spaniards arrived in Yucatan in 1527 AD.
When did the two Franciscan monks first attempt to convert the Itza people on the island of Peten Grande?
- 144 AD
- 1527 AD
- 1608 AD
- 1697 AD
Correct Answer: 1608 AD
Correct Answer Explanation: Two Franciscan monks first attempted to convert the Itza people in 1608 AD.
When did the two Franciscan monks return to Peten Grande and were driven away?
- 144 AD
- 1527 AD
- 1619 AD
- 1697 AD
Correct Answer: 1619 AD
Correct Answer Explanation: The two Franciscan monks returned to Peten Grande in 1619 AD and were driven away.
When did Don Martin Ursua conquer the Itza people?
- 144 AD
- 1527 AD
- 1619 AD
- 1697 AD
Correct Answer: 1697 AD
Correct Answer Explanation: Don Martin Ursua conquered the Itza people in 1697 AD.
What is the estimated population of Iturbide in the 1840s?
- 1,000
- 1,600
- 6,000
- 15,000
Correct Answer: 1,600
Correct Answer Explanation: The estimated population of Iturbide in the 1840s was 1,600 people.
What is the estimated population of Valladolid in the 1840s?
- 1,000
- 6,000
- 10,000
- 15,000
Correct Answer: 15,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Valladolid had an estimated population of 15,000 people in the 1840s.
What is the estimated population of Becanchen in the 1840s?
- 1,000
- 1,600
- 6,000
- 10,000
Correct Answer: 6,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Becanchen had a population of roughly 6,000 in the 1840s.
What is the name of the building that Stephens believed was a symbolic structure?
- The Palace of the Governor
- The Nunnery
- The Temple of the Warriors
- The Great Pyramid
Correct Answer: The Palace of the Governor
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens believed that the Palace of the Governor was a symbolic structure, possibly meant to represent a deity or a concept.
What is the name of the village that Stephens visited where he observed a Mayan burial ceremony?
- Bolonchen
- Labphak
- Chack
- Sabachshé
Correct Answer: Sabachshé
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions a Mayan burial ceremony that Stephens observed in Sabachshé.
What is the name of the city that Stephens visited where he observed a Mayan dance?
- Uxmal
- Chichen Itza
- Tikal
- Palenque
Correct Answer: Uxmal
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens witnessed a Mayan dance in Uxmal.
What is the name of the building that Stephens discovered at Kewick that was used as a prison?
- The Palace of the Governor
- The Nunnery
- The Temple of the Warriors
- The Great Pyramid
Correct Answer: The Temple of the Warriors
Correct Answer Explanation: The Temple of the Warriors at Kewick was used as a prison by the Spanish.
What is the name of the village that Stephens visited where he observed a Mayan market?
- Bolonchen
- Labphak
- Chack
- Sabachshé
Correct Answer: Sabachshé
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens witnessed a Mayan market in Sabachshé.
What is the name of the city that Stephens visited where he observed a Mayan religious ceremony?
- Uxmal
- Chichen Itza
- Tikal
- Palenque
Correct Answer: Chichen Itza
Correct Answer Explanation: Stephens observed a Mayan religious ceremony at Chichen Itza.