1. Which major mathematical concept did the Maya develop independently, allowing them to perform complex calculations for astronomy?
- A. The concept of zero
- B. The principles of geometry
- C. The invention of the abacus
- D. The use of fractions
2. Mayan astronomers created their highly accurate calendars by meticulously tracking the movements of which celestial bodies?
- A. The moon and various constellations
- B. The sun and Venus
- C. Mars and Jupiter
- D. Distant stars and comets
3. To record their history and the lineage of their rulers in a durable, public format, Mayan scribes carved hieroglyphs onto what structures?
- A. Papyrus scrolls
- B. Stelae, which were large stone columns
- C. Wooden tablets for temporary messages
- D. The interior walls of residential homes
4. The Mayan number system is described as "vigesimal," which indicates it was a system based on which number?
- A. Base-10
- B. Base-60
- C. Base-20
- D. Base-2
5. What were the codices used by Mayan scribes?
- A. Large stone columns for public inscriptions
- B. Clay tablets used for tracking merchant inventory
- C. Knotted strings used for counting and record-keeping
- D. Bark-paper books for recording history, astronomy, and rituals
6. What was the fundamental political organization of the Maya civilization during its Classic Period?
- A. A single, unified empire controlled from one capital city
- B. A collection of independent, often competing, city-states
- C. A nomadic tribal confederation without permanent settlements
- D. A democratic republic where leaders were elected by all citizens
7. Which of the following was a major Maya city-state, known for its monumental architecture?
- A. Tikal
- B. Cuzco
- C. Tenochtitlan
- D. Teotihuacan
8. In the social pyramid of the Maya, which group constituted the base and was responsible for the agriculture that supported the entire society?
- A. Artisans and traders
- B. Priests and nobles
- C. Peasant farmers
- D. Royal guards
9. What was the main purpose of the temples located at the top of the pyramids in Maya city-states?
- A. To serve as astronomical observatories for tracking the stars.
- B. To serve as centers for religious rituals performed by the king.
- C. To function as fortified observation posts against enemy attacks.
- D. To function as the primary residential palaces for the noble class.
10. What title and role did the ruler of a Maya city-state like Copán hold?
- A. An elected president who served a limited term
- B. A chief merchant who controlled all trade routes
- C. A high priest chosen by a council of elders
- D. A god-king who was the spiritual and political leader