Maya Civilization
La Estancia School
8th Grade World Geography
Mr. Daschel Soza
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Geography and the Early Maya
Mesoamerica refers to the
area that stretches from the
central part of Mexico to
include the northern part of
Central America.
Around the year 1000 BC the Maya began
settling in the lowlands of what is now
Guatemala.
At the beginning the Maya
lived in small villages, but
eventually theses villages
began trade with other
groups.
As
trade
increased the villages
grew. By the year 200 AD,
the Maya had begun to
build large cities
in
Mesoamerica.
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The Classic Age
The Maya civilization reached its height between the
year AD 250 and 900. This time in Maya history is
known as the classic age. During this time, the Maya
territory included 40 cities, each with its own king. No
single ruler united the many cities into one empire.
Maya cities had constructions
such as palaces and temples;
some honored their kings. For
example, in Palenque, Mexico,
the king Pacal had a temple built
in order to narrate his
achievements.
Almost
every
Maya city had a
ball court for
playing a special
game.
Maya Culture
Religion
Social Structure
The king held the highest
position in Maya society.
The Maya believed their
kings were related to gods.
Priests, rich merchants, and
noble warriors were also part
of the upper class. Most
Maya belonged to the lower
class. They were the farmers
who lived outside the cities.
Religion
The Maya were polytheistic,
that means that they
believed in many gods.
Achievements: Observatories
Buildings from which people can study
the sky and stars.
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Achievements: Calendar
They made a 365-day calendar to track
farming activities.
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Achievements:
Math
Skilled mathematicians able
to measure time accurately
,
make
complex
calculations, and among the
first to have a symbol for
the number “0”.
Achievements: Writing System
Their symbols represented both objects and
sound.
Achievements: Art
and Architecture
The Maya created amazing
art and architecture. Their
jade and gold jewelry was
exceptional.
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Decline of the Maya
Civilization
1. Burden on the
common people.
2. Increased warfare
between the cities.
3. Famine
4. Climate change
5. Aliens?
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA