A single soldier arriving in Mexico in 1520 was carrying smallpox and thus initiated the devastating plagues that swept through the native populations of the Americas. The European diseases that ravaged the indigenous inhabitants of the Americas also severely affected the various Maya groups of Petén. It is estimated that there were approximately 30,000 Ch'ol and Ch'olti' Maya in western Petén at the start of the 16th century. Between 1559 and 1721 they were devastated by a combination of disease, war and enforced relocations. When Nojpetén fell in 1696 there were approximately 60,000 Maya living around Lake Petén Itzá, including a considerable number of refugees from other areas. It is estimated that 88% of the inhabitants died during the first decade of colonial rule because of disease and war. Although disease was responsible for the majority of deaths, internecine warfare between rival Maya groups and Spanish expeditions also took their toll.

Which killed more inhabitants, disease or war?
A: disease

In week 16, the Lions flew back to Florida, this time to play the Miami Dolphins. The Lions took an early lead with a 39-yard field goal by Dave Rayner. The Dolphins tied it up with a 40-yard field goal by Dan Carpenter. In the second quarter, the Lions took the lead when Brandon Pettigrew caught a 20-yard touchdown pass. The Dolphins tied it up with a 4-yard rush by Lousaka Polite. Miami took the lead with a 13-yard TD catch by Davone Bess. After halftime, the Lions tied it back up with a 5-yard TD rush by Maurice Morris. The Dolphins responded with a 1-yard TD run by Ronnie Brown. Miami added to their lead with a 28-yard field goal. The Lions then scored 17 unanswered points. First Jahvid Best caught a 53-yard TD pass. Then Dave Rayner kicked a 47-yard field goal. They sealed their win when DeAndre Levy intercepted a Chad Henne pass and ran it back 30 yards for a touchdown. With the win not only did the Lions improve to 5-10, but it was their first back-to-back road victories since 2004, and first three-game winning streak since 2007.

How many yards was the longest touchdown?
A: 53

Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Texans flew to Qualcomm Stadium for a Week 8 intraconference game against the San Diego Chargers.  In the first quarter, Houston's recent struggles continued as Chargers QB Philip Rivers completed a 49-yard TD pass to TE Antonio Gates.  Later, a goof-up on special teams led to more points as a high punt snap went into the end zone.  Punter Matt Turk was unable to fall on the ball and San Diego CB Antonio Cromartie managed to recover it for a touchdown.  In the second quarter, the Texans got on the board with kicker Kris Brown nailing a 40-yard field goal.  However, the Chargers continued their beatdown with Rivers and Gates hooking up again on a 31-yard TD pass.  Later, San Diego increased its lead with Cromartie returning an interception 70 yards for a touchdown, along with Rivers completing a 14-yard TD pass to WR Chris Chambers. After a scoreless third quarter, Houston tried to come back, as QB Sage Rosenfels completed a 28-yard TD to TE Joel Dreessen in the fourth quarter.  That was as close to the Chargers as they got. Starting QB Matt Schaub (11/18 for 77 yards and 2 interceptions) left the game in the second quarter with a concussion, after getting a late hit from San Diego CB Drayton Florence.

How many more touchdowns did Rivers throw than Rosenfels?
A:
2