What was the name of the mythical city that the two American explorers were originally searching for?
- Candones
- Iximaya
- San Salvador
- Ocosingo
Correct Answer: Candones
Correct Answer Explanation: The two American explorers, Huertis and Hammond, were originally inspired by the writings of John L. Stevens, who had documented accounts of a mysterious city called Candones in Central America. They set out on their expedition hoping to discover this lost city.
What language did the inhabitants of Iximaya speak?
- Assyrian
- Maya
- Nahuatl
- Spanish
Correct Answer: Maya
Correct Answer Explanation: The inhabitants of Iximaya spoke a dialect of the Maya language, a language group that is found throughout Mesoamerica. This is mentioned by the author, who was already familiar with the Maya language.
What was the approximate population of Iximaya?
- 10,000
- 25,000
- 85,000
- 150,000
Correct Answer: 85,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The memoir describes the city of Iximaya as a large and populous city, covering a vast area with numerous villages and a population of 85,000.
What was the name of the young Mahaboon priest who became a friend and guide to Pedro Velasquez?
- Vaalpeor
- Yachin
- Kaana
- Cowana
Correct Answer: Vaalpeor
Correct Answer Explanation: Vaalpeor was a young Mahaboon priest who befriended Velasquez and acted as a guide to the city of Iximaya. He provided valuable insights into the culture and customs of the Iximayan people.
What was the name of the group of priestesses in Iximaya?
- Mahaboons
- Yachins
- Kaanas
- Cowanas
Correct Answer: Kaanas
Correct Answer Explanation: The Kaanas were a caste of priestesses in Iximaya, known for their unique physical characteristics and role in religious ceremonies. They were considered to be highly respected and held a significant position within the social structure of the city.
What was the name used by the Iximayans to refer to intruders or strangers?
- Cowana
- Yachin
- Kaana
- Vaalpeor
Correct Answer: Cowana
Correct Answer Explanation: The Iximayans used the term “Cowana” to refer to intruders or strangers. This term reflects their fear of outsiders and their desire to protect their independence and culture.
What was the approximate age of the city of Iximaya according to its own records?
- 1,000 years
- 2,000 years
- 4,000 years
- 6,000 years
Correct Answer: 4,000 years
Correct Answer Explanation: The Iximayans had a unique system of recording history using hieroglyphics, and according to their records, the city of Iximaya was approximately 4,000 years old. This suggests a long and rich history for this lost civilization.
How many horses were killed by the explorers during the initial skirmish with the Iximayan warriors?
- 10
- 50
- 100
- 200
Correct Answer: 100
Correct Answer Explanation: The explorers’ initial encounter with the Iximayan warriors was a fierce battle that resulted in the deaths of 100 horses. This highlights the strength of the Iximayan military force and their ability to defend their borders.
How many explorers remained in the final fight against the Iximayan warriors?
- 10
- 20
- 38
- 50
Correct Answer: 38
Correct Answer Explanation: The final battle between the explorers and the Iximayan warriors was a desperate struggle. Out of the original 35 explorers, only 38 remained to fight against the 150 Iximayan warriors. This shows the heavy casualties suffered by the explorers and the strength of the Iximayan army.
What was the approximate radius of the area patrolled by the Iximayan military force?
- 5 leagues
- 12 leagues
- 20 leagues
- 30 leagues
Correct Answer: 12 leagues
Correct Answer Explanation: The Iximayan military force was responsible for protecting the city’s borders, and their patrol area extended for a radius of 12 leagues. This demonstrates the wide expanse of the Iximayan territory and their commitment to maintaining their independence.
How many men comprised the entire Iximayan military force?
- 100
- 200
- 500
- 1,000
Correct Answer: 200
Correct Answer Explanation: The Iximayan military force was a well-organized and powerful force that numbered approximately 200 men. They were responsible for guarding the city’s borders and protecting its inhabitants.
How many statues lined each of the grand avenues in the city of Iximaya?
- 25
- 50
- 75
- 115
Correct Answer: 115
Correct Answer Explanation: The city of Iximaya was known for its grandeur and its impressive architecture. Each of the grand avenues in the city was lined by 115 statues, adding to the city’s majestic and imposing appearance.
What was the approximate age of the two Aztec children brought back by Velasquez?
- 3 and 5 years old
- 5 and 7 years old
- 8 and 10 years old
- 10 and 12 years old
Correct Answer: 8 and 10 years old
Correct Answer Explanation: The two Aztec children brought back by Velasquez were approximately 8 and 10 years old. They were considered to be valuable and important discoveries as they represented the legacy of the lost civilization.
What was the main reason that Huertis was killed?
- He was caught trying to escape the city with valuable discoveries.
- He was killed during the final skirmish.
- He was accidentally killed by one of the explorers.
- He was murdered by the Mahaboons.
Correct Answer: He was caught trying to escape the city with valuable discoveries.
Correct Answer Explanation: Huertis’s insatiable curiosity led him to attempt to escape the city with his valuable discoveries. His plan was betrayed, and he was killed by the Iximayans, who had strict laws against outsiders leaving the city with their possessions.
What was the name of the city that Velasquez and the two Aztec children returned to after escaping Iximaya?
- Candones
- Iximaya
- San Salvador
- Ocosingo
Correct Answer: San Salvador
Correct Answer Explanation: Velasquez, along with the two Aztec children, managed to escape Iximaya and returned to San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. It was in San Salvador that he documented his incredible experiences and shared his discoveries with the world.
What type of bread was a staple food in Iximaya?
- Tortillas
- Baguettes
- Pita bread
- Naan
Correct Answer: Tortillas
Correct Answer Explanation: Tortillas, thin flat unleavened bread made from corn, were a staple food in Mexico and Central America, including Iximaya. This suggests a connection between the Iximayan people and the cultures of Mexico and Mesoamerica.
How tall were the walls surrounding the city of Iximaya?
- 20 feet
- 40 feet
- 60 feet
- 80 feet
Correct Answer: 60 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The city of Iximaya was well-fortified, with walls that were approximately 60 feet tall. These walls were designed to protect the city from intruders and maintain its independence.
How many days did the explorers spend confined to their quarters in Iximaya after being captured?
- 3 days
- 5 days
- 9 days
- 14 days
Correct Answer: 9 days
Correct Answer Explanation: The explorers were held captive by the Iximayans for a period of 9 days, during which time they were confined to their quarters and closely monitored. This time allowed the Iximayans to assess the explorers’ intentions and decide how to deal with them.
What type of bird was highly valued in Iximaya and was often used as a decorative element?
- Hummingbird
- Quetzal
- Condor
- Eagle
Correct Answer: Quetzal
Correct Answer Explanation: The quetzal, a colorful bird native to Central America, was highly valued in Iximaya and its iridescent green feathers were often used as a decorative element. This reflects the Iximayan people’s appreciation for beauty and their connection to the natural world.
How many leagues wide was the moat surrounding the city of Iximaya?
- 20 feet
- 50 feet
- 100 feet
- 200 feet
Correct Answer: 100 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The city of Iximaya was surrounded by a wide moat that was approximately 100 feet wide. This moat, in addition to the city walls, served as a further defense mechanism to protect the city from invaders.
What was the primary god worshipped by the Iximayan people?
- The sun god
- The moon god
- The rain god
- The earth god
Correct Answer: The sun god
Correct Answer Explanation: The Iximayans worshipped the sun god as their primary deity. This reflects their connection to the natural world and the importance of the sun in their agriculture and daily life.
What was the name of the leader of the Iximayan warriors who captured the explorers?
- Vaalpeor
- Yachin
- Cowana
- We are not given this information
Correct Answer: We are not given this information
Correct Answer Explanation: The narrative does not provide a name for the leader of the Iximayan warriors who captured the explorers. The focus of the story is on the city itself, its culture, and the explorers’ experiences, rather than on individual characters within the Iximayan society.
What was the main purpose of the explorers’ expedition?
- To find gold and other valuable resources
- To map the region and create a detailed record of the terrain
- To discover a lost civilization
- To establish trade relations with the local tribes
Correct Answer: To discover a lost civilization
Correct Answer Explanation: The explorers’ primary motivation for their expedition was to discover a lost civilization, specifically the mythical city of Candones. They were driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to uncover the secrets of the past.
What was the main difference between the Mahaboons and the Kaanas?
- The Mahaboons were men, while the Kaanas were women.
- The Mahaboons were priests, while the Kaanas were priestesses.
- The Mahaboons were warriors, while the Kaanas were healers.
- The Mahaboons were the rulers of the city, while the Kaanas were the advisors.
Correct Answer: The Mahaboons were priests, while the Kaanas were priestesses.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Mahaboons and the Kaanas were both religious figures in Iximaya, but they had different roles. The Mahaboons were priests, responsible for religious rituals, medicine, and guardianship of the Kaanas. The Kaanas were priestesses, known for their unique physical characteristics and role in religious ceremonies.
What was the name of the region in Central America where the city of Iximaya was located?
- Yucatan Peninsula
- Guatemala
- Belize
- We are not given this information
Correct Answer: We are not given this information
Correct Answer Explanation: The specific region in Central America where Iximaya is located is not explicitly stated in the provided text. The account focuses on the city’s existence and details about its culture and history, rather than specific geographical locations.
What was the approximate length of time since a stranger of European descent had been seen in the region of Iximaya before the explorers’ arrival?
- 5 moons
- 15 moons
- 30 moons
- 45 moons
Correct Answer: 30 moons
Correct Answer Explanation: The Iximayans were wary of strangers, particularly those of European descent. The text mentions that it had been approximately 30 moons, or about 2.5 years, since a stranger of European descent had been seen in the region before the explorers’ arrival. This highlights the isolation of the city and the Iximayan people’s aversion to outsiders.
How many statues were there in total in the city of Iximaya?
- 1,380
- 6,900
- 13,800
- 27,600
Correct Answer: 13,800
Correct Answer Explanation: The text states that each of the grand avenues in the city of Iximaya was lined with 115 statues. Assuming that there are six main avenues, the total number of statues would be 690. However, it is also mentioned that these statues are found throughout the city, not just on the grand avenues. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the total number of statues in the city could be significantly higher, perhaps in the range of 13,800, based on the assumption that there are 20 avenues in the city.
What was the main reason the explorers chose to venture into the unknown region where Iximaya was located?
- They were looking for a lost city of gold.
- They were searching for a new route to the Pacific Ocean.
- They were driven by a thirst for adventure and a desire to discover new lands.
- They were commissioned by the government to map the region.
Correct Answer: They were driven by a thirst for adventure and a desire to discover new lands.
Correct Answer Explanation: The explorers, Huertis and Hammond, were primarily motivated by a desire for adventure and a thirst for knowledge. They were drawn to the unknown and were eager to explore uncharted territories and uncover the secrets of the past.
What was the main difference between the culture of the Iximayans and the cultures of the surrounding tribes?
- The Iximayans were more advanced technologically.
- The Iximayans had a more complex social structure.
- The Iximayans were more warlike.
- The Iximayans were more isolated and less influenced by outside cultures.
Correct Answer: The Iximayans were more isolated and less influenced by outside cultures.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Iximayans were a unique and isolated people who had maintained their independence and their own distinct culture for centuries. They had limited contact with the outside world and were not influenced by the cultures of the surrounding tribes.
What was the main method used by the Iximayans to record their history?
- Writing on papyrus
- Using a system of knots and strings
- Using hieroglyphics
- Using a system of symbols and images
Correct Answer: Using hieroglyphics
Correct Answer Explanation: The Iximayans had a unique system of recording their history using hieroglyphics, similar to the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Mesoamerica. This system allowed them to preserve their traditions and pass them down to future generations.
What was the main form of transportation used by the Iximayans?
- Horses
- Mules
- Oxcarts
- Walking
Correct Answer: Walking
Correct Answer Explanation: The Iximayans had no horses, mules, or other domestic animals except for fowls. Their primary mode of transportation was walking, which is why they were skilled hunters and warriors. They had a deep understanding of their environment and were able to navigate the treacherous terrain of the region.
What was the main reason for the conflict between the explorers and the Iximayan warriors?
- The explorers were trying to steal the Iximayans’ treasure.
- The explorers were trying to convert the Iximayans to Christianity.
- The explorers were seen as a threat to the Iximayan way of life.
- The explorers were trying to escape the city with their discoveries.
Correct Answer: The explorers were seen as a threat to the Iximayan way of life.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Iximayans were a fiercely independent people who were wary of outsiders. They had a strong sense of community and a deep respect for their traditions. They saw the explorers as a threat to their way of life, especially after Huertis’s attempt to escape the city with his discoveries. This led to a conflict between the explorers and the Iximayan warriors.
What was the main symbol of power and authority in the city of Iximaya?
- The sun god
- The Kaanas
- The Mahaboons
- The city walls
Correct Answer: The Mahaboons
Correct Answer Explanation: The Mahaboons, the higher order of priests in Iximaya, were seen as the guardians of the city’s traditions and the keepers of its knowledge. They held a position of great power and authority within the city’s social structure.
What was the main reason for the explorers’ initial success in entering Iximaya?
- They were disguised as traders.
- They were accompanied by a guide who was familiar with the city.
- They were welcomed as guests by the Iximayan people.
- They were able to bribe the Iximayan guards.
Correct Answer: They were accompanied by a guide who was familiar with the city.
Correct Answer Explanation: The explorers were able to enter Iximaya due to the presence of Pedro Velasquez, who was a trader and had a keen interest in the region’s history and antiquities. He was familiar with the region and was able to navigate the treacherous terrain and avoid detection by the Iximayan warriors.
What was the main goal of the explorers after discovering Iximaya?
- To conquer the city and claim its wealth for themselves.
- To study the city’s culture and history and share their discoveries with the world.
- To establish trade relations with the Iximayan people.
- To convert the Iximayan people to Christianity.
Correct Answer: To study the city’s culture and history and share their discoveries with the world.
Correct Answer Explanation: The explorers, particularly Velasquez, were driven by a desire to uncover the secrets of the past and share their discoveries with the world. They were fascinated by the Iximayan culture and wanted to learn as much as possible about this lost civilization.
What was the main lesson learned by the explorers from their experience in Iximaya?
- That the pursuit of knowledge is always worth the risk.
- That it is important to respect the customs and traditions of other cultures.
- That the world is full of hidden wonders waiting to be discovered.
- That it is important to be prepared for any danger when exploring unknown territories.
Correct Answer: That it is important to respect the customs and traditions of other cultures.
Correct Answer Explanation: The explorers’ experience in Iximaya taught them the importance of respecting the customs and traditions of other cultures. Their actions, particularly Huertis’s attempt to escape with valuable discoveries, resulted in tragedy. The story emphasizes the need for cultural sensitivity and the dangers of cultural imperialism.