A Brief History of Human Sacrifice in the Ancient Maya Chauncey Secrist

The Ancient Maya Mayans inhabited present day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, western Honduras and Nicaragua Existed from 2000 BCE until almost 1700 CE

What was happening? The Great Pyramids at Giza were already 2500 years old Jesus Christ was born, died, resurrected, and Christianity had begun Greek and Roman art was thriving Siddhartha Gautama was born and Buddhism began

Culture and Religion Polytheistic – Many Gods Complex hieroglyphic language Agricultural society Mathematics 365 Day Calendar Ballgame

Art and Architecture

Conclusion Sacrifice was religiously and culturally important Rich, advanced culture Art and architecture reflect importance of sacrifice And remember, if you loose at basketball, at least you keep your head

Works Cited Akkeren, Ruud van (July 1999). "Sacrifice at the Maize Tree: Rab'inal Achi in its historical and symbolic context". Ancient Mesoamerica (New York, USA: Cambridge University Press) 10 (2): 281–295."Sacrifice at the Maize Tree: Rab'inal Achi in its historical and symbolic context" Parmington, Alexander, Space and Sculpture in the Classic Maya City, Cambridge University Press, 2011 Brown, Bernadette, Personal Interview, 20 February 2015 Bunson, Margaret R., and Stephen M. Bunson, "Death Rituals, Maya." Encyclopedia of Ancient Mesoamerica, New York: Facts on File, Inc., 1996 History.com, Maya, Sheppard Software, The Maya, ue-facts-SouthAmerica15.htm