The Mayan Civilization

• vocabularies
• Spaniards: People who are natives or citizens of Spain.

• Example: The Spaniards are known for their rich cultural traditions, such as flamenco
and tapas.
• Hereditary: Passed down from parents to their children, either through genes or by
inheritance.

• Example: Eye color is a hereditary trait.

• Astronomy: The scientific study of stars, planets, galaxies, and other objects in space.

• Example: She used a telescope to study astronomy and observe the moon.
• Hierarchy: A system in which people or things are ranked one above the other based
on status, authority, or importance.

• Example: The company's hierarchy consists of managers, supervisors, and employees.

• Knitting: The process of making fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.

• Example: She spent the afternoon knitting a scarf for her friend.
• Caste: A social class system in which people are divided into groups based on factors
like birth, occupation, or social status, often with little opportunity for movement
between the groups.

• Example: In some societies, caste systems determined people's roles and

responsibilities in the community.
• Engraving: The art or process of carving designs, letters, or patterns into a hard surface
like metal, wood, or stone.

• Example: The jeweler created a beautiful engraving of her initials on the bracelet.
• Paved: Covered with a hard surface like concrete, asphalt, or stones to make it suitable
for walking or driving.

• Example: The road was newly paved to ensure a smooth drive.

• Crop rotation: The practice of growing different types of crops in the same area in
successive seasons to improve soil health and reduce pests and diseases.

• Example: Farmers use crop rotation to maintain soil fertility and prevent overuse of
nutrients.
• Invasion: An attack or entrance into a place, especially by a foreign army, to take
control or cause harm.

• Example: The invasion of Normandy during World War II was a turning point in the
conflict.

summary
- indigenous group that originated in Central America, particularly Guatemala, Mexico, Belize,
El Salvador, and Honduras.
-Spanning from 1800 BC to 1546 AD.
- the civilization reached its peak development between 250 and 900 AD.
-known for significant advancements in science, astronomy, and culture.
-the Mayan people still exist today, preserving their traditions, beliefs, and language.
 Social and Political Structure
n
- governed by a hereditary and hierarchical system, led by a king known as the Ajaw.
-society was divided into various kingdoms, each with its own capital and smaller towns.
-A caste system existed between the rich and poor.
-Men worked in agriculture and fishing, while women contributed knitting .
-The common people were required to pay two-thirds of their income to the ruling class.

Hierarchical Kingdoms and Social Stratification in Mayan Society

Economic Hierarchical
Obligations Governance
Common people pay a The leadership is structured
significant portion of their with a king at the top, guiding
income to the elite. the society.

Gender Roles Kingdom Division

Men and women have defined The society is organized into
roles in agriculture, fishing, and distinct kingdoms, each with its
knitting. own capital.

Caste System
Social stratification divides
people into rich and poor
categories.

Art and Architecture

-famous for engravings, sculptures, and sophisticated drawings.

-They constructed pyramids topped with temples .
- cities were built randomly due to terrain, notable cities such as Koln in Honduras .
-Limestone was used for sculpting and engraving .
-walls and paved roads connected major cities.
 Contributions to Mayan Civilization

Art and
Infrastructure Engravings
Walls and paved roads The Mayans were renowned for
connected major cities, their detailed sculptures and
enhancing trade. drawings.

Material Use Pyramids

Limestone was primarily used They built pyramids topped
for sculpting and engraving. with temples as religious sites.

City Planning
Cities were constructed based
on terrain, leading to unique
layouts.

Writing and Calendar

- used a complex and symbolic writing system, similar to Egyptian hieroglyphs.

- they used to record astronomical observations, calendar calculations, and historical events.
-In 613 AD, they developed a calendar system
-year:18 months of 20 days each plus 5 extra days for religious rituals.

Unveiling the Mayan Writing and Calendar

System

Complex
Writing System

Astronomical
Mayan Writing Observations
and Calendar
System Historical
Records

Calendar
Structure
 Agriculture and Daily Life

-used wooden sticks employed for planting seeds.

-They practiced crop rotation, use of fertilizers, and intensive farming techniques.
-the Mayans cultivated a variety of crops, including corn, beans, avocados, peppers,
pineapples, cocoa, tomatoes, and potatoes.
-They also kept llamas and dogs as animals.
-heavy loads were carried by people using ropes, not animals for transportation.

Overview of Mayan Agricultural Practices

Transportation Tools

People for Wooden sticks for

transport planting seeds

Farming
Animals Techniques

Crop rotation and

Llamas and dogs
fertilizers

Crops
Corn, beans,
avocados, and
more

Historical Periods
1. Pre-Classic Period (1800 BC):
1. This era marked the establishment of early settlements in the Soconusco region,
development of farming, pottery, and language.
 Pre-Classic Period of the Mayan Civilization

Language

Pottery

Farming

Early Settlements

2. Classic Period (320-987 AD):

2. During this time, the influence of nobles and clergy grew, leading to a peak in
urbanization, construction, and intellectual achievements.
2. famous sites: Aksakton in Guatemala and Copan in Honduras.

sites
Nobles and Clergy Influence
Aksakton
Copan Classic
Period
Construction
Intellectual Achievements

3. Collapse of Classic Period (750-900 AD):

3. the civilization faced a decline due to factors such as population pressure, invasions,
rebellions, and environmental challenges.
3. Many religious centers were abandoned, and trade routes collapsed.
 Decline of the Mayan Classic Period

Population Pressure

Invasions

Rebellions

Environmental Challenges

Abandonment of Religious Centers

Collapse of Trade Routes

4. Post-Classic Period (1000-1687 AD):

4. this period was characterized by migration and conflicts that resulted in the
emergence of new states.
4. The Spanish invasion ultimately led to colonization and the destruction of many Mayan
inscriptions and books, marking a significant turning point in their history.

Post-Classic Period of the Mayan Civilization

Migration and Conflicts

Emergence of New
States

Spanish Invasion

Colonization Begins

Destruction of
Inscriptions and Books

Homework

Fill-in-the-Gap Questions

1. The Mayan civilization originated in the continent of ___________ in areas now known as
Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras.
2. The Mayan civilization reached its highest level of development between ___________
and ___________ AD.

3. The Mayan governing system was ___________ and ___________, with the King at the
top, known as ___________.

4. The Mayans created a calendar system in ___________ AD, where the year had
___________ months of ___________ days each.

5. The Mayans were known for building ___________ with ___________ and
___________ on their tops.

6. The main crops of the Mayan people included ___________, ___________, and
___________.

True or False Questions

1. The Mayan civilization was most developed between 250 and 900 AD. (True/False)

2. The Mayan people were the first to use wheeled vehicles in transporting heavy loads.
(True/False)

3. The Mayans spoke only one language, which is still widely spoken today. (True/False)

4. The Mayans used wooden sticks for planting seeds in agriculture. (True/False)

5. During the Classic Period, the Mayan cities were connected by major roads to ensure
economic and political control. (True/False)

6. The Mayan writing system was similar to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. (True/False)

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was the primary crop of the Mayans?

a) Wheat

b) Corn

c) Rice

d) Barley

2. In which period did the Mayan civilization experience its peak of construction and
intellectual progress?
a) Pre-Classic Period

b) Classic Period

c) Collapse of the Classic Period

d) Post-Classic Period

3. What is the name of the Mayan king who ruled at the top of their hierarchical system?

a) Pharaoh

b) Emperor

c) Ajaw

d) King

4. What material did the Mayans primarily use for sculpting and engraving?

a) Marble

b) Limestone

c) Granite

d) Wood

5. Which of the following is NOT a crop grown by the Mayans?

a) Avocado

b) Cocoa

c) Potatoes

d) Rice

6. The Mayan civilization collapsed due to all of the following EXCEPT:

a) Population increase

b) Foreign invasions

c) Environmental factors

d) Development of new agricultural technologies