Ancient Mayan Civilization

Who were the Ancient Maya? n Native American nations –“The Maya”- best known group n Map –Yucatán, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador

Economy n Agriculture - basis –Maize, beans, squash and cacao n Currency –Cacao beans –Copper

Mayan Calendar n Highly complex and accurate n Based on the sun’s zenith n 365 days

Pyramidal Mounds n Cut stone blocks n Temples n Grouped around plazas

Pyramidal Mounds n Decorative interiors/exteriors –Friezes/masonry –Sculpture and mosaics

Mayan Language n Maya (Yucatec) n Spoken 350,000 today n Related languages & dialects –Chol, Chuj and Pokomam

Mayan Writing n Carved and painted n Hieroglyphic notation n Recorded mythology n Rituals

Formative Period n Approximately 1500 BC n Origins unclear n Conflicting archeological evidence

Classic Period n AD n Uniform civilization throughout region n Peak of civilization n Great ceremonial centers –Palenque, Tikal and Copán

Post Classic Period n 900 AD - 16th century n Mayan centers mysteriously abandoned –900 AD n Migration to Yucatán

Post Classic Period n Civilization centered at Yucatán n Toltec migration influenced art styles n Prominent cities included –Chichén Itzá and Mayapán

Civil War & Revolution n Mayapán peace disrupted by war n Cities abandoned n Spanish conquest in 16th century –Last Mexican government conquest in 1901