The Maya

Where? Mesoamerica: the area between North & South America

Compass Mayans believed gods associated with different colors represented the cardinal directions North East West Center South

Mayan History By 250 CE, the Mayan Civilization was flourishing as a group of independent city-states connected through trade & shared culture

Sometime in the 700’s… The various Mayan city-states began fighting one another, causing many to flee the cities

The late 800’s Mayan cities were mysteriously abandoned Possible reasons: continued warfare, drought, plague, famine

1500’s The Spanish Conquistadores arrived in 1524 Over the next 170 years what was left of the Mayan city-states were conquered by the Spanish.

Mayan Writing Most advanced writing system in the ancient Americas Glyphs hieroglyphic symbols Codex: books Popol Vuh: Mayan creation story featuring ancient ballgame

Mayan ballgame

All was empty. , all was in silence. , all was motionless All was empty..., all was in silence..., all was motionless...there was only the sky and the sea".   In the sea, surrounded with light, hidden under green feathers, was Gucumatz. In the sky was "the Heart of Heaven, or God- as he is called." All was in suspense Then came the word, like a lightning bolt it ripped through the sky, penetrated the waters, and fertilized the minds of the Earth-Water Deities, Tepeu and Gucumatz Then the creator couple said "let it be done", and it was done: The earth emerged from the sea; plants put forth shoots; wild animals came to be. And then the Gods made three frustrated attempts to create humankind; first out of animals, then out of mud, and finally out of wood. The Wood men were killed off too, however, and their descendants are today's monkeys

Mayan religion Religion was the center of Mayan life and it led to many advances in their civilization.

Mayan mathematics Very advanced Concept of zero Used for calendars and astronomy, not counting

Mayan architecture Large buildings and temples used for ceremonial purposes Buildings designed using movement of heavenly bodies Planned cities

Mayan Calendar Advanced mathematics allowed Mayans to develop solar calendar that is almost perfectly accurate Needed to know dates of many religious celebrations

Many resources spent on religious activities Traits of Civilization Strength Weakness Religious beliefs -united culture -Loyal to the king Many resources spent on religious activities Independent city-states Wealthy & prosperous culture Frequent warfare between city-states Intensive agriculture More food = more people Soil depletion & population growth created need for more land