The Mayas

1
The Mayas

• In this lesson, students will be able to define
  the following terms
• Mayas
• Farming Techniques of the Mayas
• Religious beliefs of the Mayas
• Class Hierarchy of the Mayas
• Accomplishments of the Mayas

2
The Mayas lived in southern Mexico and
Guatemala.
3
The Mayas

• From about 250 A.D., the Mayas built a
  civilization in present-day Belize, Guatemala,
  Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico.
• The Mayas developed an advanced civilization in
  Central America.

4
Under difficult geographic circumstances, the
Mayas farmed successfully and built beautiful
cities.
5
Agriculture

• The Mayas drained swamps to farm.
• The Mayas erected platforms for farming in the
  rain forest.
• The Mayas irrigated their fields of corn, beans,
  and other plants to produce agricultural
  surpluses.

6
It was difficult land to farm on but
Mayan farming techniques produced
agricultural surpluses.
7
Religion

• The Mayas were polytheists. They believed in
  many gods.
• A large temple pyramid stood in the middle of
  every Mayan city.
• Cities were religious centers.

8
The Mayas lived in city-states. The city-states
never united. A large temple pyramid stood in
the middle of each city.
9
Trade

• The Mayas traded extensively.
• Traders sold salt, honey, cotton, bird feathers,
  food, and slaves.
• The Mayas profited greatly from trade.

10
Trade was very important to the Mayas.
11
The Class Hierarchy

• The Mayas divided themselves into three groups.
• Rulers were the most powerful members of society
  followed by warriors and priests.
• Artisans, merchants, peasants, and slaves were
  the least powerful members of society.

12
The Mayas invented a calendar.
13
Accomplishments

• The Mayas invented a calendar.
• The Mayas invented a mathematical system based on
  the number 20.
• The Mayas studied astronomy and built pyramids.

14
Questions for Reflection

• Who were the Mayas and where did they live?
• Why is it surprising that the Mayas produced
  agricultural surpluses?
• Why did the Mayas build pyramids?
• What did the Mayas trade?
• List several accomplishments of the Mayas.