Ancient Civilizations The Olmec & The Maya

The Olmec

What’s Different? OlmecMayan

Physical Environment Oldest city—San Lorenzo Present day Mexico Located near a river

Architecture Pyramid like Buildings First to build 2 story houses Made houses out of clay Cities were centered around a grand ceremonial mound

Language Mixe–Zoquean (spoken) May have been first to develop writing system Used symbols

Scientific Knowledge Writing system Long count calendar system Concept of Zero Ballgame

Leisure Activities “Mesoamerican Ballgame”

Religious Activities Religious activities were performed by Shamans Beliefs centered upon a jaguar God Bloodletting ceremonies

Governing Structure Hierchial Rulers

Economic Activities Trade Systems

The Mayan

Physical Environment Present day southern Mexico, Guatemala, northern Belize

Architecture Stepped pyramids Plazas Acropolis Ball sites Cave sites Observatories

Language Fully Developed written system

Scientific Knowledge Writing Hieroglyphs Counting system Mathematical

Leisure Activities Art Ballgames Music

Religious Beliefs Rituals Ceremonies Human sacrifice Maize God Based on celestial cycles

Governing Structure Polity—headed by a hereditary ruler

Economic Activity Trade system

The Mound builders Adena, Hopewell, Mississippian

Physical Environment From Great Lakes to Gulf of Mexico & the Mississippi to the Appalachian Mountains

Architecture Built Mounds for religious, ceremonial & burial purposes Flat-topped pyramids

Language Petroglyphs No writing system

Scientific Knowledge Cultivation of corns, beans & squash Made tools & weapons

Leisure Activities Pottery Wove baskets Carved canoes Sewing

Religious Beliefs Animal spirits Weather spirits Ancestor Spirits

Governing Structure Elite class-ruling class Common class-Food producers/labor force

Economic Activity Trade