Geography - Mexico and the Aztecs

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Geography - Mexico and the Aztecs

Instructions: Read each short paragraph and review each map (available on the wiki) to answer the questions about the appropriate map or culture. Some questions are short answer and others are multiple choice. There is only one correct answer for each question. Each question is worth one point.

Mexico

Did you know? The city of Acapulco was the only place in the New World allowed to receive Spanish galleons. The galleons held spices, silks, ivory, jade, and porcelain. These riches were tempting for pirates, and a large fort was built to protect the harbor.

1. Which city is closest to the Tropic of Cancer?
2. Approximately how much distance lies between Paricutin Volcano and Orizaba?
3. What is the capital of Mexico?
4. Which direction would you travel from the Caribbean Sea to the Gulf of Tehuantepec?
5. If you were in San Luis Potosí, which trip would be shorter: to the Gulf or to the Pacific Ocean?
6. If you lived in Tijuana, which direction would you take to Cape San Lucas?
7. Name the ruin closest to Cancun?
8. What is the approximate latitude and longitude of Acapulco?
9. What city would you find at 28°N and 107°W?
10. Pirate ships trying to steal from the Spanish galleons in Acapulco sailed in which body of water?

The Aztecs

The Aztecs were a pre-Columbian civilization that came to its height of power in the 15th and 16th centuries. They controlled much of Mexico at the time and the Spaniards arrived. They used a 260-day calendar in a 52-year cycle. The Aztecs developed sculpture, weaving, metalwork, and music. They used pictographs for writing and left historical records. Their agriculture was well advanced and there was a highly developed system of trade in the region.

1. What was the name of the tallest volcano in the Aztec region?

Select from the following...CitaltepetlPopocatepetlYucatan PeninsulaAcapulco

1. What are the approximate coordinates of latitude and longitude for Tehuantepec?
   Select from the following...16°N and 95°E16°N and 95°W95°N and 16°E17°N and 100°W
2. What city was directly southeast of Popocatepetl?

Select from the following...TenochtitlanCoixtlahuacaTlaxcalaXochimilco

1. Approximately how far is it from Tehuantepec to Monte Alban?
   Select from the following...200 mi or 320 km40 km or 25 mi115 mi or 186 kmsoutheast
2. Which city can be found at about 17°N and 100°W?

Select from the following...TehuantepecCitlatepetlCoixtlahuacaAcapulco

1. What is closest to Tlaxcala?

Select from the following...CitaltepetlPopocatepetlMonte AlbanTenochtitlan