2. MesoAmericans

3. Land of the Maya  Inhabited the Yucatan Peninsula

4. Three Regions Southern - steep, rocky mountains Central - dense tropical lowlands Northern - dry, few rivers, limestone wells

5. Main Cities Tikal Palenque Mayapan Uxmal Chichen Itza Copan Tulum

6. Classic Period c. 300 A.D. to c. 900 A.D. large, well organized cities centers for practicing religion market places areas of storage roads schools

7. Leaders Noble lords ruled over city-states High priests had much power because of religious importance

8. Innovations Slash and burn farming The concept of “0” as a value for nothing architecture (pyramids) calendars measuring time astronomy

9. End of the Empire The empire mysteriously fell apart. There are many theories. Mayans left the cities and dwelled in the jungles.

10. Spanish Arrive By 1500, Mayan Empire no longer existed. A large population still inhabited the region. Spanish destroy books, churches, and art.

11. Review Questions  What region did the Mayans inhabit?  Who were the two main leaders in Mayan society?  Name a couple innovations the Mayans are credited with?  What did the Spanish do to take control of the area?

12. Works Cited Roth, Peter. Maya: A simulation of Mayan civilization during the early seventh century. Lakeside, California: Interaction Publishers, Inc., 1993. Schele, Linda. “Rabbit in the Moon.” Rabbit in the Moon. 05-10-99 \ 08-06-02. Warner Bros..