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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the more commonly known name for plasticus petrificus?

2. What item glinted in the light when the door was opened?

3. By the end of the seventh year, how many volunteers worked at the excavation site?

4. What was located at the base of the structure?

5. What word is used to describe the state of the crew at this point?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Carson's nightmare experienced shortly after the start of the excavation.

2. When was there an interest rekindled in North America? Why?

3. The item(s) were eventually classified as being what?

4. What covered the majority of North America?

5. What did Harriet say in reference to the opening of the door at Tomb #26?

6. Why was #9 proportioned in a specific way?

7. How is Howard Carson's life described before the discovery of the Motel of the Mysteries?

8. What were the "columns" discussed by scientists? What were they really? Where would they normally be found?

9. Upon seeing this fantastic discovery, Carson had hopes of finding what?

10. What did Carson do one day while eating his lunch?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the artifacts in the Motel are linked by Carson and the workers to some form of religious ceremony. What would cause the workers to make those assumptions? What else could be related to the artifacts in lieu of religion? What religious artifacts do you think were used in society during Carson's time? Are religious artifacts more important as symbols of religion or are they more important as historical items? Also, how could Carson know which gods were associated each sacred item found in the hotel? Would you relate those things to the same gods? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

There are several people mentioned early in the text regarding the search for antiquities. They include Guido Michelin, Currant Bunliffe, and Howard Carson. Compare and contrast the three characters in reference to their personal and professional interests as well as their discoveries surround the ancient culture of Usa.

Essay Topic 3

The Triumphal Arch was considered to be one of the most significant finds regarding the ancient culture of Usa. Discuss the Triumphal Arch and its use as a gateway. Do you think the explanation of the arch's placement in relation to the west coast falling into the ocean makes any sense? Do think there was a specific placement of the arch? Explain. Other pieces of architecture are represented in the book as being important discoveries. Why are monuments so interesting to archeologists and historians? How do you think they arrived at the explanations listed in the book? Do you think any other explanations might have been considered? Explain.

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