Question

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the ancient civilizations crumble
was this a political blunder or a shrewd tactical move? once inside the city, cortés found himself isolated, at the mercy of the aztec empire. he quickly rectified matters. in another bold stroke, he kidnapped montezuma. with 30 seasoned soldiers, he entered the royal palace and gave the emperor a bleak choice: come with us or die. montezuma - fearful, puzzled, dejected, and disorientated by these strange men - submitted.
months later, while trying to calm a rebellion against the invaders, montezuma was killed in a firestorm of rocks and javelins. cortés and his crew barely escaped with their lives.
nine months later he returned with a huge army of spaniards and native recruits. first they set siege to tenochtitlan, denying it food and fresh water. on august 13, 1521, tenochtitlan fell. a decade later, the incas, plagued by civil war and decimated by smallpox, faced francisco pizarro. they suffered a similar fate.
these great civilizations live on - in their legends, their art and architecture, lovingly reclaimed by archaeologists and historians. their foods transformed europe - tomatoes, corn, and potatoes became staple foods of much of the old worlds growing population. a new atlantic world that incorporated elements of european, african, and american cultures was taking shape.
assessment questions

1. how does the final paragraph contribute to the texts central ideas?

a. the last paragraph contributes to the central idea that cultures such as the great aztecs and other indigenous empires can never be fully destroyed.
b. the last paragraph contributes to the central idea that europe benefited far more than they think they did from the conquest of the americas.
c. the last paragraph contributes to the central idea that legends and myth are often far more powerful than fact.
d. the last paragraph contributes to the central idea that tolerance is important, otherwise a clash between cultures can end in serious tragedy.

Explanation:

The text discusses the downfall of ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas due to European conquest. The final paragraph shows how despite the destruction of their empires, elements of these civilizations (legends, art, architecture, foods) endured and influenced the new Atlantic - World. This supports the idea that these great cultures, though their political entities were defeated, left lasting legacies and thus cannot be fully destroyed.

Answer:

A. The last paragraph contributes to the central idea that cultures such as the great Aztecs and other indigenous empires can never be fully destroyed.