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Lesson 1: The Maya — Practice Questions

  1. 1. Which social group formed the base of the Maya social pyramid and was responsible for agriculture?

    • A. Artisans
    • B. Nobles
    • C. Peasants
    • D. Merchants
  2. 2. What key responsibility was shared by both nobles and priests in Maya society?

    • A. They were the only groups who knew how to read and write.
    • B. They performed the manual labor of building pyramids.
    • C. They traveled long distances to trade for valuable goods.
    • D. They were responsible for farming the land during the growing season.
  3. 3. In the Maya social pyramid, what was the primary role of the leader known as the halach uinic?

    • A. To serve as the head merchant for all trade routes
    • B. To act as both the supreme political ruler and a divine king
    • C. To lead the peasant armies in all military conflicts
    • D. To personally carve the stone for temple construction
  4. 4. The middle class of Maya society, comprised of merchants and artisans, contributed to the city-state's economy mainly by:

    • A. leading religious rituals and offering sacrifices to the gods.
    • B. creating pottery and other crafts, and trading goods with other regions.
    • C. serving as scribes and officials who administered the state.
    • D. commanding armies in battle and collecting taxes from farmers.
  5. 5. At the very bottom of the Maya social structure were enslaved people. According to the text, how might a person become enslaved?

    • A. By failing to pay tribute to the priests
    • B. By losing a game of pok-a-tok as a peasant
    • C. By being born into an artisan family
    • D. As punishment for a crime or being captured in war
  6. 6. Which social group was directly beneath the pharaoh and was responsible for assisting with governing the kingdom?

    • A. Artisans and merchants
    • B. Farmers and laborers
    • C. Priests and nobles
    • D. Slaves and servants
  7. 7. Which group formed the largest part of the population in ancient Egypt and was essential for feeding everyone?

    • A. Scribes
    • B. Farmers
    • C. Merchants
    • D. Priests
  8. 8. In the social hierarchy of ancient Egypt, which group of people possessed the fewest rights and the lowest social standing?

    • A. Farmers
    • B. Artisans
    • C. Merchants
    • D. Slaves
  9. 9. In the social structure of ancient Egypt, who would have held a higher social rank?

    • A. A scribe
    • B. A farmer
    • C. A laborer
    • D. A fisherman
  10. 10. What was the primary belief that placed the pharaoh at the very top of the ancient Egyptian social pyramid?

    • A. They were the most successful trader.
    • B. They were chosen through a popular vote.
    • C. They were seen as a living god with absolute power.
    • D. They were the oldest member of the noble class.