1. Great Civilizations in the Americas The Maya, Aztecs and Incas

2. What is a “Civilization?” Civilization – an advanced society with:

3. The Olmecs 1.. 2.3,500 years ago 3.Developed in the forests along the Gulf of Mexico

4. The Maya 3000 years ago Present day Mexico and Guatamala

6. Mayan Cities The Maya built cities in Mexico and Central America. Stone pyramids towered over the cities

7. Mayan Society Mayan society was divided by classes. 1.Warriors/Priests 2.Nobles, government officials 3.Peasant farmers

8. Advances in Learning Hieroglyphics – Painted them on paper Carved them into stone columns

9. Advances in Learning Calendars Had 2 calendars. One had 20 13-Day months for religious purposes. The other had 18 20-Day months, based on the sun. They linked the 2 together to identify days that would bring good fortune.

10. Advances in Learning Astronomy Very accurate. Calculated the Solar Year almost perfectly.

11. Why all the advancements? Developed knowledge in these areas to help understand their gods.

12. The Decline-Why?