4. What did the Mayas, encountered by Cortés on the Yucatán Peninsula, contribute to the conquistador's expedition?
a. Gold and riches
b. Advanced knowledge in astronomy
c. Military support
d. Information and a guide, Malinche
b. Advanced knowledge in astronomy
The Mayas encountered by Cortés on the Yucatán Peninsula contributed to the conquistador's expedition by providing:
d. Information and a guide, Malinche.
Malinche, also known as Doña Marina, was a native woman who served as a translator for Cortés. She was fluent in both Maya and Nahuatl languages, making her an invaluable asset for communication between Cortés and the indigenous people of Mexico. Her knowledge about the local geography, customs, and politics helped Cortés establish alliances and gather crucial information during his conquest of the Aztec Empire.
To determine what the Mayas contributed to Cortés' expedition, we need to examine each option:
a. Gold and riches: The Mayas indeed possessed a significant amount of gold and other valuable resources. However, it is important to note that Cortés' main motivation was not the acquisition of wealth from the Mayas specifically, but rather to conquer and colonize their civilization.
b. Advanced knowledge in astronomy: While the Mayas were indeed known for their advanced astronomical understanding and impressive calendar system, this knowledge did not directly contribute to Cortés' expedition. It is more of a cultural and historical contribution rather than something practical for the conquistador's mission.
c. Military support: The Mayas did not provide military support to Cortés' expedition. In fact, they fiercely resisted the Spanish invasion led by Cortés and fought back against the conquistadors' attempts to conquer their lands.
d. Information and a guide, Malinche: This is the correct answer. Malinche, also known as Doña Marina, was a Nahua woman who served as a translator and advisor to Cortés during his expedition in the Yucatán Peninsula. She was crucial in establishing communication between Cortés and the indigenous peoples, including the Mayas. Her knowledge of multiple indigenous languages and cultures played a pivotal role in the Spanish conquest.
Therefore, the correct answer is d. Information and a guide, Malinche.