4. What did the Mayas, encountered by Cortés on the Yucatán Peninsula, contribute to the conquistador's expedition? (1 point)
O a Gold and riches
O b. Advanced knowledge in astronomy
Oc Military support
d. Information and a guide, Malinche
Oa. Gold and riches.
The Mayas, encountered by Cortés on the Yucatán Peninsula, contributed to the conquistador's expedition in several ways. One of these contributions was providing information and guidance through a woman named Malinche. She served as a translator for Cortés, helping to bridge the language barrier between the Spanish and the indigenous peoples. Additionally, the Mayas were knowledgeable about the local terrain, which helped guide the conquistadors through the region. However, it is important to note that the Mayas did not provide military support to Cortés.
To find the answer to this question, we need to look at the historical context of Cortés' expedition and the role the Mayas played during that time. The Mayas, encountered by Cortés on the Yucatán Peninsula, contributed to the conquistador's expedition in various ways. Let's analyze each option to determine the correct answer.
a. Gold and riches: While the Mayas certainly possessed gold and other valuable resources, they did not directly contribute these to Cortés' expedition. They were not a major source of wealth for the conquistadors.
b. Advanced knowledge in astronomy: The Mayas did indeed have advanced knowledge in astronomy. They had a sophisticated understanding of celestial movements and were able to create accurate calendars. However, this knowledge did not directly contribute to Cortés' expedition.
c. Military support: The Mayas were not allies or supporters of the conquistadors. In fact, they were one of the indigenous groups resisting Spanish colonization. Therefore, they did not provide military support to Cortés' expedition.
d. Information and a guide, Malinche: This is the correct answer. The Mayas, specifically a woman named Malinche (also known as Doña Marina), provided valuable information and acted as a guide for Cortés' expedition. Malinche was a Nahua woman who could speak multiple indigenous languages, including Maya, Nahuatl, and Spanish. Her linguistic and cultural knowledge was crucial in establishing communication between the Spanish and the indigenous populations of Mexico.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option d: Information and a guide, Malinche.