1. THE MAYAN EMPIRE By Lira, Bridget, Alexis, Adam, and Pierce

2. Claim: The Mayas were an Empire  Evidence and Reasoning: Maya is an empire because it had a powerful army that conquered many territories. Maya also developed over time, it did not start from scratch. The Mayans came from the Olmecs, a tribe that resided in Mexico. They had many rules to keep the people in check. They also had a social pyramid with the leader on top and everyone else lower. They built roads that extended to different city-states. They did have an established religion, the Mayan people were polytheistic and worshiped many gods. They built eight grand temples in honor of these gods. The Mayans disappearance is unknown but, historians believe it was because of disputes over power.

3. Explaining Each Piece of Evidence  Developed over time- Developed over time, it did not start from scratch. The Mayans came from the Olmecs, a tribe that resided in Mexico.

4. Explaining Each Piece of Evidence  Had strong leaders with powerful armies that gained land through conquest - It had a powerful army that conquered many territories.

5. Explaining Each Piece of Evidence  Developed systems and bureaucracies to manage people and resources - They had many rules to keep the people in check.

6. Explaining Each Piece of Evidence  Built roads and expanded trade networks, connecting people and sharing ideas - They built roads that extended to different city-states.

7. Explaining Each Piece of Evidence  Had established religions, but also often allowed other religions to be practiced - They did have an established religion, the Mayan people were polytheistic and worshiped many gods.

8. Explaining Each Piece of Evidence  Declined for different reasons, but often because of conflicts over power - The Mayans disappearance is unknown but, historians believe it was because of disputes over power

9. Fun Facts  The Mayans created chocolate! It was very bitter at first. Then, the Spanish came to the Mayan land and introduced sugar to them. From then on, all chocolate was sweet.  The Mayans were skilled astronomers. They believed that the Gods were connected to the people through the stars.  Many of the children of the Mayas still live in their home area.  The Mayans had excellent medical care.  The Last Maya state lasted until 1697.  Some people believe that the word shark originated from the Mayas.  There are an estimated value of 7,000,000 Mayans still living in the Yukatan which is South Eastern Mexico.