Chapter 14
Geography of the Americas Chapter 14 Section 1 Geography of the Americas
Geography of the Americas Mesoamerica is the region that includes the southern part of what is now Mexico and parts of the northern countries of Central America. Fertile mountain valleys Terrace farming
The First People Arrive A land bridge may have brought people from Asia to North America
The Olmec The Olmec first civilization in Mesoamerica Made sculptures with huge stone heads They had a large trading network
Chapter 14 Section 2 The Maya
Trade Maya cities in the highlands traded with those in the lowlands
Cities Maya cities each had its own government and king
Warfare Maya often captured enemy prisoners and killed them in religious ceremonies as a sacrifice to their gods Warfare tore up the land and destroyed crops contributed to end of Mayan civilization
Chapter 14 Section 3 Maya Life and Society
Upper Class Priests, warriors and merchants were upper class Believed their rulers were related to the gods
Lower Class Most belonged to lower class families
Religion Maya believed their king communicated with the gods ANIMISM
Writing and Oral Traditions Kept records on large stone tablets Writing System Unique Number System
Explore Chichen Itza Mayan Math Mayan Chocolate Stations Explore Chichen Itza Mayan Math Mayan Chocolate