The Mayas In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms: Mayas Farming Techniques of the Mayas Religious beliefs of the Mayas Class Hierarchy of the Mayas Accomplishments of the Mayas Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
The Mayas lived in southern Mexico and Guatemala. Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
The Mayas From about 250 A.D., the Mayas built a civilization in present-day Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico. The Mayas developed an advanced civilization in Central America. Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
Tikal was the most important Maya political center, 300 to 900 C.E. Under difficult Geographic circumstances, the Mayas farmed Successfully and built beautiful cities. Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
Agriculture The Mayas drained swamps to farm. Two-thirds of the city inhabitants worked in fields during daytime The Mayas erected platforms for farming in the rain forest. Besides maize, they also cultivated cotton and cacao The Mayas irrigated their fields of corn, beans, and other plants to produce agricultural surpluses. Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
It was difficult land to farm on but Mayan farming techniques produced agricultural surpluses. Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
Religion The Mayas were polytheists. They believed in many gods. A large temple pyramid stood in the middle of every Mayan city. Cities were religious centers. Followed elaborate rituals Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
Religious thought Popol Vuh, a Maya creation myth, taught that gods created humans out of maize and water Gods maintained agricultural cycles in exchange for honors and sacrifices Bloodletting rituals honored gods for rains Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
Maya Ball Game Sporting gambling The ball game which originiated with the Olmec culture eventually became a system of sacrifice as the leader of the losing team was often sacrificed to the gods. Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
The Mayas lived in city-states. The city-states never united. A large temple pyramid stood in the middle of each city. Chichen Itza, Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
Trade The professional Mayan Merchants traded extensively. Traders sold salt, honey, cotton, bird feathers, food, and slaves. The Mayas profited greatly from trade. Artisans were famous for their obsidian tools and orange pottery Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
Trade was very important to the Mayas. Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
The Class Hierarchy 1. Rulers were the most powerful members of society Kings, priests and hereditary nobility at the top 2. Warriors and priests. Maya warfare: warriors had prestige; captives were slaves or victims 3. Artisans, merchants, Merchants were from the ruling class Professional architects and artisans were important 4. Peasants, and slaves were the least powerful members of society Majority of the population Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
The Maya calendar had both solar and ritual years interwoven The Mayas invented a calendar. Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
Accomplishments The Mayas invented a mathematical system based on the number 20. The Mayas studied astronomy and built pyramids. Supported their religious practices Maya writing was ideographic and syllabic Written language is presereved in stone carvings Only 4 books remain since Spanish priests burned many during the Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
Mayan Glyphs Mayan Mathematics sky king house child city Cy- Ranch 2014-2015
Questions for Reflection: Who were the Mayas and where did they live? Why is it surprising that the Mayas produced agricultural surpluses? Why did the Mayas build pyramids? What did the Mayas trade? List several accomplishments of the Mayas. Cy- Ranch 2014-2015