Bellringer

Civilizations of Mesoamerica: The Olmec and Maya

Lesson Objectives: 82. Define Mesoamerica and be able to find it on a map of the world. 83. Describe how people migrated to the Americas. 84. List some of the crops produced in the Americas. 85. Compare the Mayan civilization to the river valley and classical

civilizations in Europe and Asia. 86. List some contributions made by the Mayan civilization.

(mathematics, astronomy, science, arts, architecture, and technology)

87. Explain some reasons that historians believe caused the Mayan civilization to decline.

82. Define Mesoamerica and be able to find it on a map of the world.

Mesoamerica- a cultural region which is made up of Mexico and Central America.

Some of the earliest civilizations in the world developed in Mesoamerica.

Mesoamerica

Where in the world is Mesoamerica?

83. Describe how people migrated to the Americas.

People migrated to the Americas over a land bridge created between Asia and modern day Alaska during the last ice age. (pg. 187- map)

They followed herds of animals that they hunted.

People needed to adapt to the different environments they settled in.

84. List some of the crops produced in the Americas.

Gradually people in the Americas

learned to domesticate plants. (FARM)

In Mesoamerica they cultivated:

1. Maize

2. Beans

3. Sweet potatoes

4. Peppers

5. Tomatoes

6. squash

85. Compare the Mayan civilization to the river valley and classical civilizations in Europe and Asia.

Agriculture thrives

No MAJOR rivers

Produced enough food to support a rapidly growing population.

Powerful city-states They Mayans were not

unified-fought wars with each other

Did not develop metalworking- used stone and wooden tools

Societal Structure

Mayan Civilization

Ruler

Nobles/Priests

Merchants

Farmers

86. List some contributions made by the Mayan civilization. (mathematics, astronomy, science, arts, architecture, and

technology)

Sculptors leave a legacy in stone.

Stela- tall stone monuments.

Scribes record historical events. Carved into stone (stela) Wrote on bark paper (most of

these books were later burned by the Spanish)

Priests develop astronomy and mathematics. Measured time extremely

accurately 365 day solar calendar Numbering system and the

concept of zero

87. Explain some reasons that historians believe caused the Mayan civilization to decline.

About A.D. 900, the Maya abandoned their cities and settled in remote villages in the jungle.

Historians theories

1. Frequent warfare may have taken its toll on society.

2. Overpopulation may have led to over-farming and the exhaustion of the soil.