DBQ Mesoamerica
CIVILIZATIONS OF THE AMERICAS
DBQ
This task is based on the accompanying documents. Some of these documents have been edited for the purpose of this task. This task is designed to test your ability to work with historic documents.
As you analyze the documents, take into account both the source of the document and the author’s point of view
Historical Context
Between 300 and 1500, three advanced civilizations developed in Central and South America. Ruins from the Mayan civilization remain even today in southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. The
Aztecs, who conquered most of Mexico, built a highly-developed civilization in the 1400’s. At the same time, the Incas were building an empire in Peru.
Directions
The following question is based on the accompanying documents. As you analyze the documents, take into account both the source of the document and the author’s point of view. Be sure to:
1. Carefully read the document-based question. Consider what you already know about the topic. How would you answer the question if you had no documents to examine?
2. Now, read each document carefully, underlining key phrases and words that address the document-based question. You may also wish to make notes. Answer the questions which follow each document.
3. Based on your own knowledge and on the information found in the documents, formulate a thesis that directly answers the question.
4. Organize supportive and relevant information into a brief outline.
5. Write a well-organized essay proving your thesis. The essay should be logically presented and should include information both form the documents and from your own knowledge outside the documents.
Document 1: This pyramid in Tikal was the tallest structure in the Americas until the twentieth century. Q: Describe the significance of Mayan architecture evidenced in this temple at Tikal?
Document 2: This is a glyph from the Mayan calendar
Q: What is the significance of this glyph (symbol)?
DBQ
This task is based on the accompanying documents. Some of these documents have been edited for the purpose of this task. This task is designed to test your ability to work with historic documents.
As you analyze the documents, take into account both the source of the document and the author’s point of view
Historical Context
Between 300 and 1500, three advanced civilizations developed in Central and South America. Ruins from the Mayan civilization remain even today in southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. The
Aztecs, who conquered most of Mexico, built a highly-developed civilization in the 1400’s. At the same time, the Incas were building an empire in Peru.
Directions
The following question is based on the accompanying documents. As you analyze the documents, take into account both the source of the document and the author’s point of view. Be sure to:
1. Carefully read the document-based question. Consider what you already know about the topic. How would you answer the question if you had no documents to examine?
2. Now, read each document carefully, underlining key phrases and words that address the document-based question. You may also wish to make notes. Answer the questions which follow each document.
3. Based on your own knowledge and on the information found in the documents, formulate a thesis that directly answers the question.
4. Organize supportive and relevant information into a brief outline.
5. Write a well-organized essay proving your thesis. The essay should be logically presented and should include information both form the documents and from your own knowledge outside the documents.
Document 1: This pyramid in Tikal was the tallest structure in the Americas until the twentieth century. Q: Describe the significance of Mayan architecture evidenced in this temple at Tikal?
Document 2: This is a glyph from the Mayan calendar
Q: What is the significance of this glyph (symbol)?