An Introduction to the Mayan People NDW 4M

Map of Mayan Region

Shade the following location on your map – Mayan territory Southern Mexico (state of Campeche, Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Chiapas), parts of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador Southern Mexico (state of Campeche, Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Chiapas), parts of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador

Historical Background Best-known of Mesoamerican civilization Best-known of Mesoamerican civilization Originated in Yucatan around 2600 B.C.E. Originated in Yucatan around 2600 B.C.E. These regions were mainly composed of tropical rain forests These regions were mainly composed of tropical rain forests Mayan civilization reached its peak C.E. Mayan civilization reached its peak C.E.

Mayan Developments The Maya developed astronomy, mathematics, art, architecture, calendars, and hieroglyphic writing. The Maya developed astronomy, mathematics, art, architecture, calendars, and hieroglyphic writing. They were also skilled farmers, weavers, potters, and traders. They were also skilled farmers, weavers, potters, and traders. They developed a sophisticated number system which gave a symbol to the number zero They developed a sophisticated number system which gave a symbol to the number zero

Chichen Itza Chichen Itza was the last great Mayan city built during the period of Mayan dominance in Mesoamerica. Chichen Itza was the last great Mayan city built during the period of Mayan dominance in Mesoamerica. By the middle of the 9 th century it was the leading political and economic centre By the middle of the 9 th century it was the leading political and economic centre How long it lasted is unclear – evidence indicates pre 1000 C.E. How long it lasted is unclear – evidence indicates pre 1000 C.E. The collapse of the civilization is a mystery…or due to a number of factors! The collapse of the civilization is a mystery…or due to a number of factors!

Culture As in other cultures, the Maya used personal appearance, clothing, and adornments to indicate social status. As in other cultures, the Maya used personal appearance, clothing, and adornments to indicate social status. Body paint was also used to mark special groups of people Body paint was also used to mark special groups of people The Maya played ball games which were associated with rituals and rights – they played for their lives! The Maya played ball games which were associated with rituals and rights – they played for their lives!

The Maya today There are about six million Maya today living in Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize There are about six million Maya today living in Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize Each of the 31 groups throughout Central America speaks a different, though related, language Each of the 31 groups throughout Central America speaks a different, though related, language