1. The Mayans Aim: What were the major achievements of the Mayans?
STOP AND READ THE DIRECTIONS!
Directions: Copy all underlined notes in your notebook.
Answer all reflection questions at the end and have Mr. Khalil or Ms. Keith check when you finish.

2. Mayans civilization was located in
The
Mayans civilization was located in
southern
Mexico
and
Guatemala.

3. The Mayas
From about 250 A.D., the Mayas built a civilization in present-day Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico.
The Mayas developed an advanced civilization in Central America.

4. The geography was difficult for farming but Mayans were able to adapt to their surrounding and successfully build beautiful and thriving cities.

5. Agriculture The Mayas drained swamps to farm.
The Mayas also erected platforms for farming in the rain forest.
Mayans also used the slash and burn farming technique which involved cutting down the trees in a wooded area, burning the cut trees and using the area to farm.

6. It was difficult land to farm on but Mayan
farming techniques produced agricultural
surpluses.

7. Religion The Mayas were polytheists. They believed in many gods.
A large temple pyramid stood in the middle of every Mayan city.
Cities were religious centers.

8. The Mayas lived in city-states. The city-states never united. A large
What other civilization that we studied established city-states? Why?
The Mayas lived in city-states. The
city-states never united. A large
temple pyramid stood in the
middle of each city.

9. Trade The Mayas traded extensively.
Traders sold salt, honey, cotton, bird feathers, food, and slaves.
The Mayas profited greatly from trade.

10. Trade
was
very
important
to the
Mayas.

11. The Class Hierarchy The Mayas divided themselves into three groups.
Rulers were the most powerful members of society followed by warriors and priests.
Artisans, merchants, peasants, and slaves were the least powerful members of society.

12. The Mayas invented a calendar.

13. Accomplishments The Mayas invented a calendar.
The Mayas invented a mathematical system based on the number 20.
The Mayas studied astronomy and built pyramids.

14. Questions for Reflection: Answer in your notebook
Why is it surprising that the Mayas produced agricultural surpluses?
Why did the Mayas build pyramids?
What did the Mayas trade?
List several accomplishments of the Mayas.