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  Did not start from scratch and developed over time - Developed over time, it did not start from scratch. The Mayans came from the Olmecs, a tribe that resided in Mexico.  Had strong leaders with powerful armies that gained land through conquest - It had a powerful army that conquered many territories.  Developed systems and bureaucracies to manage people and resources - They had many rules to keep the people in check.  Built roads and expanded trade networks, connecting people and sharing ideas - They built roads that extended to different city- states.  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.  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