1.  Take a moment and notice the architectural characteristics in these pictures.  What stands out to you?  What do you appreciate about this style?

2. Outcome: The Mayas

4.  Environment  Cities  Language/Writing  Economy  Government  Religion  Achievements

5.  Between 250- 900 AD

7.  Environment  S. Mexico  Yucatan Peninsula  Steamy jungles  Cool mountains

10.  Cities  Tikal  Palenque  Chichen Itza

11.  The period from A.D. 250 to 900 is known as the Classic Period of Maya civilization. During this time, the Maya built spectacular cities such as Tikal, Copán, Palenque, Uxmal, and Chichén Itzá.  Each of these was an independent citystate, ruled by a god-king and serving as a center for religious ceremonies and trade.

12.  Maya cities featured giant pyramids, temples, palaces, and elaborate stone carvings dedicated to the gods and to important rulers.  Archaeologists have identified at least 50 major Maya sites, all with monumental architecture.

15.  Video Clip (32:00 – 40:00 Mins)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s151jVxpx2E

28.  Lang/Writing  Most advanced writing system in Americas  800 glyphs  Codex- records (only 3 exist today)

30.  Economy  Cities were linked by trade: Salt, flint, feathers, shells, & honey  Jade ornaments  Cacao beans used as currency

31.  Gov’t  Rule by god-kings (theocracy)  Had city-states Constantly at war with each other  Dynasties were important  Noble class near the top Ruled over scribes, peasant farmers, and townspeople.

32.  Religion  Polytheistic  Blood offerings  Human sacrifice

34.  Achievements  Calendar System 365 days = year.002% short of our calendar 2012??  Temple IV 212 feet high  No iron tools or wheels

36.  Maya city featured a ball court. In this stone- sided playing field, the Maya played a game that had religious and political significance.  The Maya believed the playing of this game (Ball Game) would maintain the cycles of the sun and moon and bring life-giving rains.  The object of the game was to use any part of their body (expect for hands) to hit a rubber ball through a hole on the side of the field wall.

37.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZYpRsxqfFg  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmcnZ5lP9tg (3:30 Mins – 6:32)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKvQjgC9sIY

41.  Mystery!  Environmental constraint causing political and social unrest?  Invasions?  Malnutrition?