Do Now What did you do this weekend? OR What two historical events were celebrated this weekend?

The Mayas Subtitle

Where and When Civilization in the Americas, specifically Mesoamerica Modern-day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador Peak: 300 – 900 CE Geography: Pine forest, Rainforest, swamp, mountains, and jungle.

The olmec Descendants of the Olmec people Lived on the east coast of Mexico, between 1200 and 500 BC Based on agriculture, main crop: maize First Mesoamerican civilization to establish ceremonial centers

Three Periods Pre Classic Period 2000 BC-300 CE Classic Period Made own system of Hieroglyphics Farmed Land, simple housing Classic Period 300-900CE Large buildings and temples Independent states Post-Classic Period 900CE-1500CE Rest of Civilization Collapses Only area in Yucatan Peninsula remains

Religious Beliefs Cities were built around temples and ceremonial centers Were polytheistic – believed in almost 160 gods Only priests can explain signs from god and lead rituals Would make human sacrifices to gods No decision was made without the gods’ advice

Farming Primary food – maize Biggest challenge – growing enough food for growing population Mountain farming – built terraces into hills for crops Swamps – built platforms Forest – slash and burn agriculture, works but wears out land