1. 16.2 – Maya Kings & Cities
Bell Ringer: How do the Characteristics of Maya civilization compare with the characteristics of a typical civilization? Use notes prior information

2. Maya Lands stretched from southern Mexico to northern Central America
Lowlands (North) – rain forests & dry scrub
Highlands (South) – cool, mountainous
Built on Olmec influences

3. Urban Centers 250-900 A.D. – Classic Period
Build spectacular cities – Tikal, Copán, Chichén Itza
Formed independent city-states
Ruled by god-king
Centers for trade & religion
Feature pyramids, temples, elaborate carvings, ball courts

5. Agriculture & Trade
City-states linked by two things: (ruled by God-kings)
Alliances & Trade
Trade salt, shells, honey, cotton textiles, jade
Cacao acts as currency
Diet: Maize, beans, & squash
Techniques for farming:
Slash-&-Burn
Raised beds & terraces

7. Society Farming & trade = Huge amounts of wealth
Social classes develop
Kings on top society
Holy figure, hereditary
-Nobles: priests & warriors
Middle: Merchants & artisans
Bottom: peasants

9. Religion Polytheistic Associated with directions & colors
Good, evil, or both
Associated with directions & colors
North (White)
South (Yellow)
East (Red)
West (Black)
Center (Green)
Worshipped gods through food, flowers, & blood
Practiced human sacrifice
Victims into a cenote (hole) w/ gold, jade & offerings
Pleased the gods & balanced the world

10. Math & Astronomy
Religion = development of calendars, math, & astronomy
Calendars very accurate
Days lucky or unlucky b/c of gods; had to know
Two linked calendars:
260 & 365 days
Based on positioning of the sun, moon, & planets
Math system based on 20 & included zero = accuracy

11. Written Language Most advanced of the ancient Americas
Consisted of ~800 glyphs (symbols)
Whole words of syllables
Record writings in a codex
Famous writings: Popol Vuh
Recounts the Maya story of creation
P. 448

12. Decline Mysterious decline Late-800s: abandon cities
Toltecs settle in lands & change culture
Warfare increases & disrupts trade
Population growth & over-farming = shortages & famine
Maya are weak & divided by time Spaniards arrive

13. https://www. youtube. com/watch. v=vP0J42viF5k https://www. youtube